For the treatment of a variety of common (but uncommon) stomach and esophageal disorders, omeprazole is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs on the market. From indigestion to stomach ulcers, omeprazole can treat a wide range of stomach disorders, so it is likely that you will be advised to take it at some point. To lessen the risk of stomach lining damage, it is sometimes prescribed in combination with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
How well-versed in this popular drug are you, though?
Whether you’ve never used omeprazole before or you have, today we’ll cover what it is, how to use it, and how long it takes to start working.
What is Omeprazole?
Your stomach produces less acid if you take omeprazole. It’s frequently used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. Additionally, it is used to both prevent and treat stomach ulcers.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which include omeprazole, are a class of medication. In your stomach’s lining are enzymes called proton pumps that aid in the production of stomach acid for food digestion. Omeprazole prevents proton pumps from working properly which reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes.
The rare condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is brought on by a tumor in the pancreas or gut, is occasionally treated with omeprazole. Taken orally, omeprazole is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid. On prescription, you can get any kind of omeprazole. Shops like pharmacies and supermarkets sell 20 mg tablets.
How Does Omeprazole Work?
The patient information leaflet that accompanies omeprazole tablets will provide comprehensive instructions on how to use this medication. You should always read the patient information leaflet before you start to take any new medication. This leaflet will also list the potential negative effects of omeprazole and explain who shouldn’t use it.
Omeprazole must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor if you have been given a prescription for it. Our medical reference contains information on the typical omeprazole dosages for each condition.
Pellets in omeprazole capsules and tablets are coated to ensure that the medication is properly absorbed by your body. The tablets or capsules must be completely ingested along with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or open them.
Omeprazole will not cause an upset stomach, so this medicine can be taken with or without food. Try taking omeprazole with or after a meal if you take the medication for nausea.
Some omeprazole formulations can be combined with juice or water, making them perfect for those who have trouble swallowing tablets. You will need to tell your doctor if you have any swallowing difficulties so that they can prescribe this soluble alternative for you.
How Long Does Omeprazole Work?
What can you anticipate when taking omeprazole? We realize that there is nothing worse than having to wait for a medication to take effect when you are in pain or suffering.
Omeprazole should start working its magic within a couple of days, and by four weeks, most people report seeing a significant improvement in their symptoms. But if you think you’re still having trouble, talk to your doctor. He or she might be able to consider changing your medication’s dosage or starting something entirely new.
Omeprazole works best when taken frequently, so it’s crucial to do so. Every day, you should take Omeprazole at the same time. Set a reminder on your phone or keep your medication in a location that will remind you to take it if you frequently forget when to take it.
Reminders for Taking Omeprazole
Do Not Overdose
There shouldn’t be any issues if you accidentally took one or two extra omeprazole doses.
On the other hand, some individuals who have taken a higher dose than necessary might experience specific side effects. If you have taken more omeprazole than instructed and notice any of these reactions, you should call 111 or speak to your doctor for guidance as soon as possible:
- Blurred vision
- You feel confused or agitated
- Sleepiness
- Flushed skin
- A fast heartbeat
- You feel sweaty
To learn more about Omeprazole’s side effects, read our detailed medical guide.
Do Not Forget
When you remember that you missed a dose of omeprazole, which is typically taken once daily, take it right away. If it is within 12 hours of your next scheduled dose, just skip the dose you missed and continue taking the medicine as normal.
Take the missed dose if you usually take it twice a day as soon as you remember, as long as at least 4 hours have passed since your last dose. Take the next dose at your regular time instead of the missed one if it is less than 4 hours before the next one is scheduled.
You must never take a double dose of medicine to try and make up for missing an earlier one. Your symptoms won’t go away any faster and it could be dangerous.
If you frequently forget to take your medication, trying to take it at the same time every day might be helpful. This will help you to get into a routine of taking it. Setting an alarm for the time they need to take their medication can also be a useful reminder for some people.
Conclusion
Omeprazole typically takes effect quickly, usually in less than 72 hours. If you feel that your current dose of omeprazole is not effective in relieving your symptoms, please consult your doctor. Without first consulting a doctor, you shouldn’t increase or modify any medications.
FAQs
Can I Eat After Taking Omeprazole?
You can eat after taking Omeprazole, but it’s usually advised to take the medication 30 minutes before a meal. Taking your capsules 30 minutes before eating will help Omeprazole be absorbed into the body quickly since food can sometimes slow down how quickly it is absorbed by your body.
How to Stop Taking Omeprazole?
Without having to gradually cut back on the dosage or frequency, omeprazole can be stopped right away. However, if you have been taking omeprazole for a long time, you may need to gradually cut back on your frequency or dose before stopping altogether.
