Description
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It switches off the acid pumps in the stomach lining, reducing the amount of acid produced. It is licensed for conditions including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and reflux oesophagitis, for treating and preventing stomach and duodenal ulcers, including ulcers associated with anti-inflammatory painkillers, and, alongside antibiotics, for eradicating Helicobacter pylori.
The capsules are gastro-resistant, so they are swallowed whole with water and not chewed or crushed; they are usually taken in the morning before food. Your prescriber will tell you which strength to take and for how long, and longer-term treatment is reviewed rather than continued without a check. Tell your prescriber if you have liver problems, if you take clopidogrel, methotrexate or a medicine for HIV, or if you have had a low magnesium level.
Report any new difficulty swallowing, vomiting, unexplained weight loss or black stools.
- Proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production
- For reflux disease, oesophagitis and stomach or duodenal ulcers
- Gastro-resistant capsules, swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed
- Available in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg
- Interacts with clopidogrel and some other medicines
- New swallowing difficulty or black stools need urgent assessment
