Why should I take omeprazole before dinner?

Omeprazole is only activated in the test cells of the stomach which are active in food intake. Taking 30 minutes before breakfast ensures that the active ingredient is ready when the proton pumps are activated after eating.

Can I take omeprazole permanently?

A long-term application is possible, but should be regularly checked medically. With prolonged intake, the risk of side effects such as magnesium deficiency and bone fractures increases. Check with your doctor whether the lowest effective dose is used.

What is the rebound effect when decomposing?

After omeprazole has been removed, the stomach can temporarily produce more acid than before. This can strengthen sodburn symptoms. Therefore, slow down omeprazole (decreasing dose gradually over 2-4 weeks).

Is there a difference between omeprazole and pantoprazole?

Both are proton pump inhibitors with similar effectiveness. The most important difference: Omeprazole inhibits the enzyme CYP2C19 more, which leads to more interactions (e.g. with Clopidogrel). Pantoprazole has less interactions and is therefore often preferred.

omeprazole

Quick navigation

What is omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and is one of the most prescribed medicines worldwide. It inhibits gastric acid production and is used in sodburns, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric and twelve-fingered intestinal ulcers and as gastric protection for certain drugs.

Omeprazole is available under the brand name Antra MUPS® and as numerous generic drugs. In low dosages (20 mg) it is also available without prescription, higher dosages and long-term use are subject to prescription.

The effect does not immediately apply – full acid inhibition is achieved after 2-5 days.

Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

Active ingredient: Omeprazol

Omeprazole irreversibly inhibits the proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase) in the test cells of the stomach:

Active mechanism:

Omeprazole is a prodrug – it is only activated in the acid medium of the document cell
irreversibly connects to the proton pump
Blocks the last step of gastric acid production
Reduces stomach acid by up to 90%

Initiation of action:

First improvement within 1-2 hours
Full effect after 2-5 days of regular intake
New proton pumps have to be formed again

Activity: After deposition, acid production is normalized within 3-5 days, as new proton pumps are replicated.

Who is it suitable for?

Omeprazole is suitable for:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Sodburning and acidic impact
Refluxesophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Eradication therapy at Helicobacter pylori (in combination with antibiotics)
Gastric protection at NSAID intake (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

**Not suitable as permanent solution for:* *

Occasional heartburn (Antazida can be sufficient)
Unclear superstructure problems without diagnostics

Available Dosages

Available starches:

10 mg (free of prescription)
20 mg (free of prescription)
40 mg (prescribed)

Other dosages:

Sodburning/light reflux: 20 mg 1x daily
Refluxesophagitis: 20-40 mg 1x daily for 4-8 weeks
Gastric ulcer: 20 mg 1x daily for 4-8 weeks
Gastric protection at NSAID: 20 mg 1x per day
Helicobacter-Eradication: 20 mg 2x daily (7-14 days, with antibiotics)

How to Take

Intake:

Morning, 30 minutes before breakfast
Swallow capsule/tablet with water
MUPS tablets can be dissolved in water

Important notes:

Regularly take, not only in case of complaints
Do not drop abruptly after long-term therapy (rebound effect possible)
Long-term use (>8 weeks) only under medical control
Regular check of the need for therapy

Contraindications

**Omeprazole must not be taken at:* *

hypersensitivity to omeprazole or other PPIs
At the same time taking Nelfinavir (HIV medication)

Preview at:

liver failure (dose adjustment, max. 20 mg
Long-term application (refer to risks)
Suspicion of stomach cancer (Symptome can be masked!)

Pregnant period: Omeprazole can be used in pregnancy if the benefit is outweighed. It is converted into breast milk in small amounts.

Possible Side Effects

Acid (1-10%):

Headaches
stomach pain
diarrhea
Blocking
nausea
Blowing

Occasionally:

Squeeze
Sleep disorders
Skin rash

For long-term use (>1 year):

Increased risk of bone fractures (height, wrist)
Magnesium deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Possibly increased risk for Clostridium difficile infections
Possibly increased risk of kidney disease

Rebound effect: After deposition, gastric acid can be produced temporarily. Slip recommended.

Interactions

Contracted:

Nelfinavir (HIV) – loss of effect

Sustainability of:

Clopidogrel (Plavix®) – Omeprazol inhibits CYP2C19 and can impair the activation of Clopidogrel. Alternative: Pantoprazole

Changed absorption by pH change:

Ketoconazole, Itraconazole – reduced absorption
Iron preparations – reduced intake
Vitamin B12 – reduced intake for long-term use

**Omeprazole inhibits CYP2C19: * *

Diazepam – slowed down
Phenytoin – increased levels possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Medications

Pantoprazol

Lansoprazol

Nexium

Is omeprazole right for you?

A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.

Start therapy

Important Notice

This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.