💊 Omeprazole Capsule 20 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Omeprazole 20 mg is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. It is widely used to manage acid-related disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Used for the treatment and prevention of:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers (gastric and duodenal)
- Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
- Erosive esophagitis
- NSAID-associated ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori infection (as part of triple therapy)
Usual adult dosage:
- 20 mg once daily, taken before food
- Dose and duration may vary depending on the condition (typically 4–8 weeks)
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
- Mechanism: Inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in stomach lining → reduces acid secretion
- Enteric-coated capsule: protects drug from degradation in stomach acid
🌟 Advantages:
- Provides long-lasting acid suppression
- Effective in ulcer healing and symptom relief
- Convenient once-daily dosing
- Can be used in combination with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication
- Reduces risk of NSAID-related GI complications
📦 Packaging:
- Available as 20 mg enteric-coated capsules
- Commonly in blister packs of 10, 14, or 15 capsules per strip
- Labeled as “Omeprazole 20 mg” or under various brand names
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Keep in original container, away from moisture and light
- Do not freeze
⚠️ Precautions:
- Use cautiously in:
- Hepatic impairment
- Long-term use (risk of:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Hypomagnesemia
- Bone fractures
- Kidney issues)
- Drug interactions:
- Clopidogrel (may reduce effectiveness)
- Warfarin (increased bleeding risk)
- Methotrexate
- Ketoconazole and other antifungals
- Possible side effects: headache, nausea, bloating, dizziness, rash
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take before a meal, preferably in the morning
- Do not crush or chew capsules – swallow whole
- Inform your doctor if taking long-term or with other medications
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- If symptoms don’t improve within 2 weeks, consult a physician
- Do not use for self-medication beyond 14 days without medical supervision