Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It is used for acidity, reflux and stomach ulcers.
- Generic name
- Omeprazole
- Active ingredient
- Omeprazole
- Common brands in India
- Omez, Ocid, Omecip
- Available as
- Capsule, Tablet, Injection
- Common strengths
- 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
- How it is sold
- Commonly available without a prescription
No dosage information on this page
The correct dose depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other medicines and medical history. Follow the dose your doctor prescribed, or the instructions on the pack. Never copy a dose from a website or from someone else's prescription.
What Omeprazole is used for
- Acidity and heartburn
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- As part of a combination treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection
- Protecting the stomach in people who need long-term painkillers such as ibuprofen
How it works
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It switches off the tiny pumps in the stomach lining that release acid, which lowers acid levels for many hours and gives irritated tissue time to heal.
How to take Omeprazole
- Take it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, usually before breakfast. Taken after food it works considerably less well.
- Swallow capsules whole — do not crush or chew them.
- Take it at the same time each day for the whole course your doctor set.
Precautions
- It is meant for a defined course, not indefinite daily use. If you have been taking it for months, ask your doctor to review whether you still need it.
- Long-term use can affect vitamin B12, magnesium and bone strength, so these may need monitoring.
- Tell your doctor about all your other medicines — omeprazole can interact with several, including clopidogrel.
Common side effects
Not everyone gets side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these are troublesome or do not settle.
- Headache
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Omeprazole relieves symptoms, which can mask a more serious problem. See a doctor rather than self-medicating long term.
- See a doctor promptly for difficulty or pain on swallowing, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or unexplained weight loss. These need investigation, not acidity tablets.
- Do not take it continuously for months without a doctor reviewing whether it is still needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should omeprazole be taken before or after food?
Before food — usually 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. The medicine works on the acid pumps as they become active with a meal, so taking it after eating reduces its effect considerably.
Can I take omeprazole every day for a long time?
Only if a doctor has advised it and reviews it periodically. It is intended for defined courses. Extended use is linked to lower vitamin B12 and magnesium levels and to bone thinning, so continuing it for months without review is not advisable.
What is the difference between omeprazole and an antacid?
An antacid neutralises acid that is already present and gives quick, short relief. Omeprazole reduces how much acid the stomach makes in the first place, which takes longer to work but lasts much longer.
What are the side effects of omeprazole?
Headache, diarrhoea or constipation, gas and bloating, stomach pain and nausea are the common ones. The concerns with omeprazole are mostly about long-term use rather than short courses — extended use can affect vitamin B12, magnesium and bone strength.
What this costs, and what is free
Commonly available free at government hospitals and health and wellness centres when prescribed there.
Generic versions are sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras at substantially lower prices than branded packs of the same medicine.
The same molecule is sold under many brand names at very different prices. Ask your doctor to write the generic name, and compare at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra — the saving on a medicine taken daily is often substantial over a year. You can look up any medicine's official ceiling price on NPPA's Pharma Sahi Daam app.
Source: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
Prices and scheme rules change. Confirm current details with the hospital or Kendra before you rely on them.
Looking for Omeprazole locally?Aswini Medicals is a pharmacy that stocks everyday medicines and can advise on availability.
Visit Aswini Medicals