Medication guide
Omeprazole
- Generic name
- Omeprazole
- Common brand names
- Prilosec OTC
- Medication class
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Overview
Its medication class is Proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Common uses include GERD, frequent indigestion, and heartburn prevention. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral antacid/anti-reflux product.
- Time of day
- Use after meals and at bedtime for reflux or heartburn; PPIs often before breakfast.
- With food/water
- Take with water; PPIs should be taken with water before first meal.
- Preparation
- Swallow tablets/capsules whole; do not exceed label antacid spacing with other meds.
- Safe dose
- Use lowest effective acid-relief dose.
- Max dose
- Adhere to OTC daily total for each ingredient class.
- Frequency
- 1–4 times/day depending active and symptom control.
- Other recommendations
- If symptoms continue >2 weeks or recur, seek clinician evaluation.
Common uses
- GERD
- frequent indigestion
- heartburn prevention
Common side effects
- Headache
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- nausea
- flatulence
- dizziness
- and fatigue
Important warnings
- Long-term or high-dose use may raise fracture risk, hypomagnesemia, B12 deficiency, and infection risk (including C. difficile). Assess for persistent dyspepsia, weight loss, or swallowing difficulty. Use cautiously with clopidogrel/antifungal medicines as appropriate and with hepatic impairment.
General interactions information
May alter absorption/metabolism of some antifungals/antiplatelets/antiretrovirals
Sources / references
- Omeprazole — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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