- What is it for
- How to use
- 1. Gastric and duodenal ulcer
- 2. Reflux esophagitis
- 3. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- 4. Aspiration prophylaxis
- 5. Eradication of H. pylori associated with peptic ulcer
- 6. Erosions and ulcers associated with the use of NSAIDs
- 7. Poor digestion associated with gastric acidity
- 8. Severe reflux esophagitis in children
- Who should not use
- Possible side effects
Omeprazole is a drug that is indicated for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine, reflux esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, eradication of H. pylori associated with stomach ulcers, treatment or prevention of erosions or ulcers associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and treatment of poor digestion associated with gastric acidity.
This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies for a price of about 10 to 270 reais, depending on the dose, size of the packaging and the brand or generic chosen, requiring the presentation of a prescription.
What is it for
Omeprazole works by reducing the production of acid in the stomach, by inhibiting the proton pump, and is indicated for the treatment of:
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers; Reflux esophagitis; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is characterized by excess acid production in the stomach; Maintenance for patients with healed reflux esophagitis; People who are at risk of aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia; Eradication of H. pylori bacteria associated with stomach ulcers; Erosions or gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as their prevention, associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Indigestion associated with gastric acidity, such as heartburn, nausea or pain in the stomach stomach.
In addition, omeprazole can also be used to prevent relapse in patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers. Learn how to identify gastric ulcer.
How to use
The dosage of the drug depends on the problem to be treated:
1. Gastric and duodenal ulcer
The recommended dose to treat gastric ulcer is 20 mg, once a day, with healing occurring in about 4 weeks, in most cases. Otherwise, it is recommended to continue the treatment for another 4 weeks. In patients with unresponsive gastric ulcers, a daily dose of 40 mg is recommended for a period of 8 weeks.
The recommended dose for people with active duodenal ulcer is 20 mg, once a day, with healing occurring within 2 weeks in most cases. Otherwise, an additional period of 2 weeks is recommended. In patients with unresponsive duodenal ulcers, a daily dose of 40 mg for a period of 4 weeks is recommended.
To prevent recurrence in patients who are not very responsive with gastric ulcers, administration of 20 mg to 40 mg once a day is recommended. For the prevention of recurrence of duodenal ulcer, the recommended dose is 10 mg, once a day, which can be increased to 20-40 mg, once a day, if necessary.
2. Reflux esophagitis
The usual dose is 20 mg orally, once a day, for 4 weeks, and in some cases, an additional period of 4 weeks may be necessary. In patients with severe reflux esophagitis, a daily dose of 40 mg is recommended for a period of 8 weeks.
For the maintenance treatment of healed reflux esophagitis, the recommended dose is 10 mg once a day, which can be increased to 20 to 40 mg, once a day, if necessary. Know the symptoms of reflux esophagitis.
3. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
The recommended starting dose is 60 mg, once a day, which should be adjusted by the doctor, depending on the patient's clinical evolution. Doses above 80 mg daily should be divided into two doses.
Learn more about treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
4. Aspiration prophylaxis
The recommended dose for people who are at risk for aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia is 40 mg the night before surgery, followed by 40 mg the morning of the day of surgery.
5. Eradication of H. pylori associated with peptic ulcer
The recommended dose is 20 mg to 40 mg, once a day, associated with taking antibiotics, for the period of time determined by the doctor. Learn more about treating Helicobacter pylori infection .
6. Erosions and ulcers associated with the use of NSAIDs
The recommended dose is 20 mg, once a day, for 4 weeks, in most cases. If this period is not enough, an additional period of 4 weeks is recommended, within which healing usually takes place.
7. Poor digestion associated with gastric acidity
For the relief of symptoms such as pain or epigastric discomfort, the recommended dose is 10 mg to 20 mg, once a day. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks of treatment with 20 mg daily, further investigation is recommended.
8. Severe reflux esophagitis in children
In children from 1 year of age, the recommended dosage for children weighing between 10 and 20 kg is 10 mg, once a day. For children weighing more than 20 kg, the recommended dose is 20 mg, once a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 20 mg and 40 mg, respectively.
Who should not use
Omeprazole should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to this active substance or any of the components in the formula, or who have severe liver problems.
In addition, it should also not be used in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children under the age of 1 year.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with omeprazole are headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas in the stomach or intestine, nausea and vomiting.
