Omeprazole

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    About this medicine

    Generic name Omeprazole
    Active ingredients Omeprazole
    Brand names (as verified) Omez; Prilosec; Losec (brand availability varies by market)
    Dosage form Capsule
    Strength Common capsule strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg; check the exact product.
    Prescription classification Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
    Approved routes of administration Oral
    Applies to IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction

    Approved indications

    • A proton-pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid. It is used for reflux symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease, selected ulcers and other acid-related conditions; some infection-related ulcer regimens require additional medicines.

    Contraindications (do not use if…)

    • Do not use after a serious hypersensitivity reaction to omeprazole or another proton-pump inhibitor. Some co-medications or formulations may make use unsuitable; confirm product-specific restrictions.

    Important precautions

    • Persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools require medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment. Long-term or high-dose use may require review of magnesium, vitamin B12, bone and kidney risks.

    Common side effects

    • Possible effects include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and gas.

    Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care

    • Seek medical care for severe persistent diarrhoea, serious allergy, blistering rash, reduced urine or symptoms suggesting significant electrolyte disturbance.

    Important interactions

    • Potentially important interactions include clopidogrel, warfarin, methotrexate, digoxin, some HIV medicines, iron products and St John’s wort. A pharmacist should review the full medicine list.

    Allergy considerations

    • Avoid after a serious reaction to omeprazole or another proton-pump inhibitor. Review the complete ingredient list when allergies are known.

    Pregnancy and lactation

    Pregnancy safety Use with caution — see notes
    Notes
    • Discuss use during pregnancy with a healthcare professional, who can assess the condition, alternatives and the need for ongoing therapy.

    Information

    Lactation safety Use with caution — see notes
    Notes
    • Seek advice before regular use while breastfeeding, particularly for long courses or when the infant has medical concerns.

    Children and older adults

    • Product approvals and suitable strengths differ by age. Persistent symptoms in children or prolonged self-treatment should be medically assessed.

    Storage

    • Keep in its original, tightly closed packaging at room temperature, protected from moisture and excess heat. Keep away from children.

    Missed dose

    • Take a missed scheduled dose when remembered unless the next dose is near; do not double the next dose. Follow the prescription label.

    Overdose

    • If more than the prescribed or labelled amount is taken, seek medical or poison-information advice, especially if symptoms occur.

    Based on 1 cited source. Sources last checked on 2026-10-28.

    This page is general information, not personal advice. Never change, start or stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

    References

    1. openFDA Drug Datasets — openFDA Drug Datasets source (Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
    2. RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) — RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) source (Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))