Omeprazole Capsule 40 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Omeprazole 40 mg is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the gastric parietal cells. It is commonly used in higher doses for more severe acid-related conditions.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Prescribed for treatment of:
- Severe GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Zollinger–Ellison Syndrome (gastric acid hypersecretion)
- Severe peptic ulcers
- Erosive esophagitis
- H. pylori eradication (in combination therapy)
Usual Dosage:
- 40 mg once daily, taken 30–60 minutes before a meal
- May be adjusted depending on severity and physician discretion
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Proton Pump Inhibitor
- Dosage form: Enteric-coated capsule
- Works by irreversibly binding to proton pumps, reducing gastric acid secretion
🌟 Advantages:
- Higher strength provides enhanced acid suppression
- Effective in treating refractory cases of GERD or ulcers
- Promotes faster healing of damaged esophageal or gastric lining
- Once-daily dosing improves patient compliance
📦 Packaging:
- Available as 40 mg enteric-coated capsules
- Supplied in blister packs or plastic bottles, often in strips of 10 or 14 capsules
- Marketed under various brand names or generic labels
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15–25°C (room temperature)
- Protect from moisture, heat, and light
- Keep in original packaging
⚠️ Precautions:
- Use with caution in:
- Hepatic impairment
- Long-term therapy (risk of:
- Fractures
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Low magnesium levels
- Kidney issues)
- Drug Interactions:
- Clopidogrel (reduced efficacy)
- Warfarin, Diazepam, Phenytoin (may increase plasma levels)
- Antifungals (absorption may be reduced)
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take capsule whole, with water, before meals
- Do not crush or chew the capsule
- Inform your doctor of any long-term use
- Notify your physician if you’re taking blood thinners or antifungals
- Discuss safety if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Watch for symptoms like persistent diarrhea, muscle cramps, or fatigue (could indicate magnesium loss)