Requires Prescription: Yes
Generics: Omeprazole
Used For: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
How It Works:
Omeprazole works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion through irreversible blockade of the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (H+/K+ ATPase) enzyme system, which is the proton pump in gastric parietal cells. This action is dose-dependent and results in suppression of both basal and stimulated acid secretion, regardless of the stimulus.
Ruling Capsules Usage and Safety:
Dosage:
Omeprazole
Side Effects:
Common:
Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Headache
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, flatulence
Uncommon:
Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, insomnia, vertigo
Hepatic: Increased liver enzymes
Skin: Rash, pruritis, urticaria
Other: Malaise
Rare:
Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Reversible mental confusion, agitation, aggression, depression, hallucinations (more common in severely ill patients)
Endocrine: Gynecomastia
Drug Interactions:
Ketoconazole, itraconazole
Diazepam, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine
Phenytoin
Atazanavir
Digoxin, clopidogrel
Posaconazole, erlotinib, saquinavir
Tacrolimus, methotrexate
Clarithromycin
CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John’s Wort)
Indication:
Treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis
Long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse
Symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
When Not to Use:
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation or to substituted benzimidazoles
Must not be used with nelfinavir
Ruling Capsules Precautions:
Precaution:
Omeprazole may reduce vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) absorption due to hypo- or achlorhydria. This should be monitored in patients with low vitamin B12 levels or risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially during long-term therapy.
Ruling Capsules Warnings:
Warning 1:
When a gastric ulcer is suspected, malignancy should be excluded as treatment might relieve symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Warning 2:
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, particularly at high doses, may slightly increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures, especially in the elderly or those with other risk factors.
Warning 3:
In patients with impaired hepatic function, dose adjustments may be necessary due to increased bioavailability and prolonged half-life of omeprazole.
Additional Information:
Pregnancy Category:
Always consult your physician before using any medication.
Storage:
Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.