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Omeprazole (a benzimidazole derivative) is a drug mainly used to treat stomach ulcers. Its active ingredient is omeprazole. The drug belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitors, it inhibits the excessive secretion of gastric acid, thus preventing the irritating effect of gastric contents on the esophagus. It brings relief in a common ailment, which is heartburn. You can only buy Omeprazole in pharmacies with a prescription, and your doctor should determine the daily dose. If the symptoms of the disease do not improve after 14 days, you should refer to him again as soon as possible. The preparation should be taken with caution in people under 18 years of age. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only take it when needed.
Omeprazole – indications
The drug is indicated in the case of the following diseases:
- gastric and duodenal ulcers,
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome,
- eradication (removal of the microorganism) of Helicobacter Pylori,
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,
- burning sensation in the esophagus (heartburn)
- prophylactically in case of aspiration pneumonia (before general anesthesia),
- gastritis,
- indigestion.
Check also other drugs whose active ingredient is omeprazole
What are the contraindications to the use of Omeprazole?
Contraindication to use Omeprazole is primarily hypersensitivity to the active substance or any other component of the drug. In addition, the preparation is contraindicated in ulcerative malignancies, and contraindicated in patients taking atazanavir and nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection).
Be careful in the following cases:
- if the symptoms have not disappeared after 14 days from starting the drug (then you should consult your doctor),
- in children and adolescents under 18 years of age,
- if the patient has recently experienced significant weight loss, anemia, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, kidney disease,
- in people over 55 years of age.
Side effects of taking Omeprazole
Play Omeprazole can cause a number of unwanted side effects, like any drug or supplement. In this particular case, they can be:
- allergic skin reactions such as rash and itching
- gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation),
- balance disorders,
- sleep disturbances,
- hair loss,
- peripheral neuropathy,
- hemolytic anemia,
- reduced bioavailability of vitamin B12, which may consequently lead to megaloblastic anemia,
- an increase in the level of chromogranin A (a protein found in some types of cancer cells in high concentrations),
- long-term use may result in hypomagnesaemia (deficiency of magnesium in the blood).
Interactions of Omeprazole with other drugs
Taking omeprazole may reduce the effects of antifungal drugs, phenytoin, mycophenolate. It can enhance the effects of amphetamines, benzodiazepanes, citalopram, cyclosporine, warfarin and others.
For the most accurate information, please see the attached leku Omeprazole leaflet.
Omeprazole – scene
Cena leku Omeprazole depends on the payment due to the patient. The full price for a package of 28 capsules is about PLN 11.