Category – Antacid
Introduction:
Omeprazole is a widely prescribed medication that is used to treat acid-related disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. As a proton pump inhibitor, it works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Since its approval by the FDA in 1989, omeprazole has been a popular treatment option due to its effectiveness and relatively low risk of side effects. Omeprazole was developed in the late 1970s by AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish pharmaceutical company. It was the first PPI medication developed, and revolutionized the treatment of acid-related disorders.
Uses:
How to Consume:
Omeprazole should be taken as per prescribed by the doctor.
The dosage form and quantity of drug might be different for every acid related disorders:-
For Peptic Ulcer:
The standard oral recommended dose for peptic ulcer is 20mg once per day for 4-8weeks.
Stomach infections ( caused due to Helicobacter pyloribacteria):
The standard oral recommended dose for stomach infections is 20mg after every 12hrs for continuous 10 days.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
The standard oral recommended dose for GERD is 20 mg once per day for 4 weeks.
Hyper secretory conditions (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome):
The standard oral recommended dose for Hyper-secretory conditions is 60mg once per day which may exceed up to 360mg/day at 60mg after every 8hrs according to the severity of the disease.
Omeprazole should be taken 30-60mins before a meal, according to doctors. Reliable source. If the doctor prescribes medicine twice a day, it should be taken before breakfast and before dinner.
Storage Conditions:
Keep the medication in a tightly closed container, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat(sunlight) and moisture.
Duration Between Two Dose:
The duration between each dose of medication varies depending on the specific disease being treated. For acid-related disorders, the standard dose is typically administered once per day. However, for certain conditions, such as those requiring more intensive treatment, the duration between doses may be extended to 8 or 12 hours.
Side effects:
Some common side effects can be seen after taking Omeprazole:
Headaches
Nausea (Feeling Sick)
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Constipation
Farting (flatulence)
Sneezing
Muscle pain
Drug Mechanism:
Pharmacodynamics:
Proton pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole, work by inhibiting the proton pump in the parietal cells of the stomach. This pump is responsible for the final step in the production of gastric acid, so inhibiting it reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Once Omeprazole is absorbed and reaches the parietal cells, it is converted into its active form. The active form of Omeprazole binds to the proton pump and blocks the secretion of gastric acid. This effect is dose-dependent, meaning the higher the dose of Omeprazole, the more effectively it can inhibit the proton pump.
Pharmacokinetics:
Omeprazole is usually taken orally, either as a tablet or capsule. It is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
Omeprazole is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. It is highly protein-bound, meaning that it binds to proteins in the blood and is not easily filtered by the kidneys.
Omeprazole is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. Its half-life is approximately 1 hour, but its effects can last up to 72 hours due to its long-lasting effects on the proton pump.
Safety Measures:
When to see a Doctor:
The skin turns yellow (although brown or dark skin may not notice this as much).
Darker Urine
Felling more tired
Joints pain
Red skin rashes
Severe or persistent diarrhoea
Gut infections
If condition form this occur you should immediately visit the doctor or it can be dangerous visit the doctor or it can be dangerous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic Reactions:
In rare situations, Omeprazole can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
1. Oral Tablet (delayed release)
Strengths: 20mg
2. Oral Disintegrating Tablets
Strengths: 20mg
3. Oral Capsule (delayed release)
Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
4. Oral suspension
Strengths: 2mg/mL, 1mg/mL
5. Intravenous (Injection)
Strengths: 40mg
Child Dosage:
This standard dosage form is for children’s below 1year of age
· Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) –
The standard oral recommended dose for 5-10 kg children’s is 5mg once a day.
The standard oral recommended dose for 10-20 kg children’s is 10mg once a day.
The standard oral recommended dose for more than 20 kg children’s is 20mg once a day.
Adult Dosage:
For Peptic Ulcer-
The standard oral recommended dose for peptic ulcer is 20mg once per day for 4-8weeks.
Stomach infections ( caused due to Helicobacter pyloribacteria) –
The standard oral recommended dose for stomach infections is 20mg after every 12hrs for continuous 10 days.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) –
The standard oral recommended dose for GERD is 20 mg once per day for 4 weeks.
Hyper secretory conditions (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) –
The standard oral recommended dose for Hyper-secretory conditions is 60mg once per day which may exceed up to 360mg/day at 60mg after every 8hrs according to the severity of the disease.
Important Note:
To get the total benefits of this medicine take the medicine each day at same time.
Do not self-treat yourself with this drug always take suggestion from healthcare professionals
It is possible to get headaches or abdominal pain, if any of these problems remain or get worse immediately consult with your doctor.
Before using this medication, be sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Older people may be sensitive to the side effects of the drug.
During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when absolutely necessary or prescribed by the doctor.
To avoid exposure to a possibly fatal overdose, take the whole capsule or tablet. Please not chew, break, open, or dissolve it.
Do not continue taking of the drug without informing doctor.
Do not drink alcohol once you have taken the medication.
Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently or for longer than prescribed.
Follow the complete treatment prescribed by the physician, do not skip a dose in the treatment.
If you miss the dose, skip it don’t double it.
Various Brands:
Omesec-20 (Capsule)
Omez-10 (Capsule)
Omivec-20 (Capsule)
Prilosec OTC (Tablet)
Omez-Insta (powder for oral suspension)
Emzed-40 (Injection)
Omecrit-40 (Injection)
Omewell-40 (Injection)
References-
1) Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
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