subject: A Medication For The Treatment Of Excessive Acid In Your Stomach [print this page] Omeprazole is a drug which works on the gastro intestinal system by minimizing gastric acid production. It works by preventing pumps that drive acid into the stomach. Too much acid production can lead to growth and development of ulcers (wounds) on the inner lining of the walls of the intestines and stomach. These ulcers generally affect the lower end of the stomach and the upper end of the small intestines (duodenum).
Classification
Omeprazole is a medicine in the class of proton pump inhibitors. These proton pump inhibitors block the system which results in acid production in the stomach. The medication is available for administration by mouth or for intravenous infusion.
Omeprazole Unwanted Effects
Omeprazole unwanted effects include upper gastro intestinal disturbances for example: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloatedness and constipation. It may also lead to frequent headaches.
More uncommon Omeprazole unwanted side effects include: dryness of the mouth, peripheral oedema, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and excessive tiredness paraesthesia, rash and itching.
Some unwanted effects which occur more rarely include: disturbances in taste, hepatitis, stomatitis and jaundice fever, depression, visual disturbances, sweating and photosensitivity alopecia (loss of hair), hallucinations, confusion.
By decreasing gastric acid production, Omeprazole increases the risk of acquiring gastro intestinal infections. Omeprazole may mask symptoms of stomach cancer thereby delaying its diagnosis.
Even though evidence of causing malformations in kids isn't currently available, omeprazole needs to be used with caution during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and in young children. In such cases, you need to discuss with your physician beforehand. Your physician will assess if the advantages of taking the drug outweighs the potential risks and advise accordingly.
Dosage
The dosage of omprazole used will depend on the condition being treated. The most frequently used dose is Omeprazole 20mg once every day usually given by mouth for the treating of benign (non cancerous) gastric and duodenal ulcers. In severe or recurrent cases, higher doses of the medicine may be used. Omeprazole 20mg may be used in the prophylaxis of drug induced gastric ulcers in those using commonly prescribed pain relievers such as aspirin.
Although Omeprazole is a fairly safe medicine, it has to be used very carefully in patients with chronic liver diseases. The medicine should not be given above 20 milligrams daily in such patients. Reduced function of the liver slows down the breakdown of the drug (metabolism) leading to accumulation of the drug in blood; so enhancing its side effects. A doctor's advice should be sought before making use of this medicine in patients with liver disease.
