About omeprazole

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of digestive conditions such as Sodbrennen und Magengeschwüre.

Omeprazole is also given as one part of a treatment to get rid of Helicobacter pylori ,ein Bakterium, das im Magen vorkommt und Magengeschwüre verursachen kann.

Omeprazole is available on prescription. You can also buy short courses of omeprazole at a pharmacy for the treatment of reflux symptoms (such as heartburn) in adults.

Omeprazole works by stopping cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid. This can help to prevent ulcers from forming, or assist the healing process where damage has already occurred.

By decreasing the amount of acid, they can also help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as heartburn.

The most common side effects of omeprazole are:

• Übelkeit.

• Erbrechen.

• Bauchschmerzen.

• Farting.

• Durchfall.

• Verstopfung.

• Kopfschmerzen.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Die unerwünschten Wirkungen bessern sich oft, wenn sich Ihr Körper an das neue Medikament gewöhnt, aber sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker, wenn eines der folgenden Probleme weiterhin besteht oder störend wird.

Wenn Sie andere Symptome bemerken, die Ihrer Meinung nach auf das Medikament zurückzuführen sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker für weitere Ratschläge.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking omeprazole let your doctor know about any of the following:

• Wenn Sie schwanger sind, versuchen, schwanger zu werden oder stillen.

• If you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty swallowing, loss of blood, weight loss, or if you are being sick (vomiting).

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit der Funktionsweise Ihrer Leber haben.

• Wenn Sie jemals eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Medikament hatten.

• Wenn Sie andere Medikamente einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Medikamente, die Sie einnehmen und die ohne Rezept erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Medikamente.
  

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about omeprazole and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Omeprazole tablets and capsules contain small pellets which are specially coated to make sure that the medicine is absorbed correctly by your body. Do not chew the pellets. If you find capsules or tablets difficult to swallow, let your doctor know.

• Some omeprazole capsules and tablets can be mixed with water or fruit juice to make swallowing easier and your doctor can prescribe these for you.

• Omeprazole can be taken before or after food, although taking it before food can be preferable.

Dosage

• If you have bought omeprazole for reflux symptoms such as heartburn, take one or two (10 mg) tablets daily, preferably in a morning. You may need to take omeprazole for a day or so to control your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve within this time, you should talk to your doctor about this.

  • Swallow the tablet with a drink of water - do not chew or crush the tablet before you swallow. Do not take omeprazole for more than four weeks without speaking with a doctor.

• If you have been prescribed omeprazole, take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are different strengths of tablets and capsules available so your doctor will tell you which is right for you. It is usually taken once a day.

  • If you are taking it for either Helicobacter pylori eradication or for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is likely you will be asked to take two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you and the directions will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.

Missed dose

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, you can take it when you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose).

• Nehmen Sie nicht zwei Dosen zusammen ein to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be checked. If you are taking omeprazole on a long-term basis your doctor will want to review your treatment at least once a year to make sure it is still right for you.

• A typical course of treatment lasts for one or two weeks if you are taking omeprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication. It will last for one or two months if it is to allow an ulcer to heal. For all other reasons for taking omeprazole, your treatment will last for as long as is necessary to control your symptoms.

• Some foods may make your symptoms worse. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of this include peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.

  • If it seems that a food is aggravating your symptoms, try avoiding it for a while to see if your symptoms improve.

  • Also, try avoiding eating large meals, as these can make your symptoms worse too.

• Wenn Sie übergewichtig sind, übt dies zusätzlichen Druck auf Ihren Magen aus und fördert die Symptome von saurem Reflux. Abnehmen und eine gesunde, ausgewogene Ernährung können Ihnen möglicherweise helfen.

• Rauchen erhöht die Menge an Magensäure und kann Ihre Symptome verschlimmern. Wenn Sie Raucher sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker darüber, wie Sie aufhören können.

• Recent studies suggest that there may be a slight increase in the risk of bone fractures when proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are taken for longer than a year. If this affects you, your doctor will check that you are taking enough vitamin D and calcium to reduce this risk.

• Wenn Sie rezeptfreie Medikamente kaufen, fragen Sie immer einen Apotheker, ob sie sicher zusammen mit Ihren anderen Medikamenten eingenommen werden können.

• Bewahren Sie alle Medikamente außerhalb der Reichweite und Sicht von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, fern von direkter Hitze und Licht.

How long does omeprazole take to work?

Omeprazole usually starts to work within a few hours, but it can take 1 to 4 days to notice relief from heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or GERD. How long it takes to fully work depends on what the condition is.

Is it safe to take omeprazole during pregnancy?

Omeprazole is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy for the treatment of heartburn or acid reflux. However, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife before taking it to make sure it’s the right option for you and to get the correct dose.

What should be avoided when taking omeprazole?

When taking omeprazole, avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. You should also avoid taking omeprazole with certain medicines, such as antifungals, antivirals, or blood thinners, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking omeprazole?

If you suddenly stop taking omeprazole, your stomach may produce more acid than before, causing your symptoms to return or worsen. This is known as acid rebound and can lead to heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux. You should reduce your dose gradually to prevent symptoms from coming back.