Requires Prescription: Yes
Generics: Omeprazole
Used For: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
How It Works: Omeprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion by irreversibly blocking the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system, also known as the proton pump, in the gastric parietal cells. This effect is dose-dependent and leads to reduced basal and stimulated acid secretion, regardless of the stimulus.
Omega Capsules Usage and Safety:
Dosage: Omeprazole (as prescribed by your healthcare provider).
Side Effects:
Common:
Central Nervous System: Headache.
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, flatulence.
Uncommon:
Central Nervous System: Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, insomnia, vertigo.
Hepatic: Increased liver enzymes.
Skin: Rash, pruritus, urticaria.
Other: Malaise.
Rare:
Central Nervous System: Reversible mental confusion, agitation, aggression, depression, hallucinations (more common in severely ill patients).
Endocrine: Gynecomastia.
Drug Interactions: May interact with ketoconazole, itraconazole, diazepam, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine, phenytoin, atazanavir, digoxin, clopidogrel, posaconazole, erlotinib, saquinavir, tacrolimus, methotrexate, clarithromycin, and CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John’s Wort).
Indication:
Treatment of GERD in adults, including:
Erosive reflux esophagitis.
Long-term management to prevent relapse in patients with healed esophagitis.
Symptomatic treatment of GERD.
When Not to Use: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation or substituted benzimidazoles. Should not be used with nelfinavir.
Omega Capsules Precautions:
Omeprazole may reduce vitamin B12 absorption due to hypo- or achlorhydria. Monitor patients with reduced body stores or risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency during long-term therapy.
Omega Capsules Warnings:
Malignancy Consideration: Exclude malignancy when a gastric ulcer is suspected, as treatment may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Fracture Risk: High doses and prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors may modestly increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures, especially in the elderly or those with other risk factors.
Hepatic Function: Dose adjustment may be necessary for patients with impaired hepatic function, as omeprazole’s bioavailability and half-life can increase.
Additional Information:
Pregnancy Category: Always consult your physician before using this medication.
Storage: Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
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