People who have excessive stomach acid production are typically familiar with the pharmaceutical drug known as omeprazole. This medication is frequently prescribed to relieve digestive problems such as nausea, ulcers, and heartburn. Read the following article to find out the dosage, use, and side effects of using omeprazole.

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a pharmaceutical medication used for the treatment of specific gastrointestinal issues, including gastric acid and ulcers. This medication helps with symptoms associated with gastrointestinal and esophageal issues, including epigastric discomfort, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

This medication is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which functions by preventing the excessive production of acid in the stomach. This medication has other possibilities in the prevention of gastric ulcers, the promotion of healing in acid-induced ulcers in the stomach and esophagus, and the prevention of esophageal cancer.

Omeprazole is indicated for people who frequently have recurring heartburn that lasts for at least two or more days per week. Although the effects of this medicine are seen right away after consumption, the best benefits usually last one to four days.

Omeprazole dosage and preparation

Omeprazole medicinal preparations include:

• Capsules: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
• Film-coated tablet: 20 mg
• Injection powder: 40 mg

Rules for Omeprazole consumption

The dosage of omeprazole is adjusted in accordance with the treatment objectives. Usage regulations for omeprazole include the following:

• Treatment goals: Gastric ulcers in adults
• Treatment dose: 40 mg taken once a day
• Treatment duration: 4–8 weeks
• Treatment goals: Intestinal ulcers in adults
• Treatment dose: 20 mg or 40 mg taken once a day
• Treatment duration: 4–8 weeks
• Treatment goals: GERD in children over 1 year old and adults
• Treatment dose: 20 mg taken once a day
• Treatment duration: 4–8 weeks

• Treatment goal: H. pylori infection
• Treatment dose: 40 mg taken once a day with the use of 1 antibiotic
• Duration of treatment: 1-2 weeks

Omeprazole side effects

The use of omeprazole can result in mild or severe adverse effects, similar to the general use of medication. Side effects in minors may differ from those in adults.

Adults may experience mild side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Nauseous
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Bloating

In children, side effects may manifest as fever in addition to the ones listed above. Mild adverse effects usually go away after a week or two. But you need to see a doctor if your symptoms persist.

Severe side effects

There are several severe adverse effects that may manifest:

• Low magnesium levels characterized by seizures, irregular or fast heartbeat, shaking, restlessness, muscle weakness, dizziness, spasms in the hands and feet, cramps or muscle pain
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency, characterized by tingling, poor muscle coordination, and menstrual changes
• Severe diarrhea
• Inflammation of the stomach wall characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss
• Kidney damage
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus 
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Fundic gland polyps (growths on the wall of the stomach that usually do not cause symptoms)

If you experience the severe adverse effects mentioned above, it is important that you immediately consult with your doctor.

Omeprazole is a regularly recommended medication for people with gastrointestinal issues. Although the use of this medication is generally considered safe, it has the potential to induce significant adverse reactions. Before consuming omeprazole, it is recommended to seek advice from a medical professional and follow to the prescribed dosage guidelines.

If you are experiencing issues related to your digestive system, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and home remedies? Click here!