Drug name: Omeprazol

Other names used:

• Prilosec®

Active Ingredients:

• Omeprazole

Therapeutic effects of Omeprazol: Omeprazole is classified into the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). When consumed, the drug blocks the action of the enzyme H+/K+ ATP-ase whose role is to bring in H+ ions into the stomach. When this is done, the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach cavity is reduced, which in turn reduces the damage and irritation caused by the acid in case of ulcers or gastritis. Omeprazole has no effect on acetylcholine and histamine receptors.

Indications: Omeprazol tablets are administered to treat the following conditions:

• Ulcers of the duodenum and stomach
• Duodenal ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori
• Condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome)
• Condition in which there is increased production of the hormone gastrin (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

Precautions and Restrictions: Do not use Omeprazol tablets under the following conditions:

• If you have poor liver function (liver cirrhosis) or liver failure
• If you are allergic or highly sensitive to the active ingredients of this medicine
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a nursing mother

Omeprazol may lower the stomach's acidity level, and this may result in masking of symptoms of duodenal or stomach tumors.

Side effects of Omeprazol: Use of Omeprazol tablets or capsules may cause certain side effects. The below mentioned side effects may not occur to every user of this medicine. Some of the common side effects are:

• Problems of the central nervous system such as back pain, lightheadedness, headache, etc
• Effects of the digestive system such as constipation, urge to vomit, diarrhea, stomach ache, etc
• Various respiratory problems such as common cold
• And in rare cases itching and rashes

On very rare occasions use of this medicine may cause serious adverse reactions such as liver and pancreatic damage, and depression.

The above mentioned lists of side effects is not comprehensive hence for a detailed list kindly consult a doctor or see the information provided by the manufacturer of this medicine.

Interactions: Omeprazol tablets and capsules may react with other medicines hence it's very important to consult a doctor and apprise him of the treatment or medication you are using. Get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug. It's important to tell your physician if you're already under medication. This is to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe.

• Omeprazol may reduce the effectiveness of the following medicines by decreasing their blood levels: ketoconazole, iron supplements, atazanavir, ampicillin.
• Omeprazol may increase the actions and thereby the side effects of the following medicines: warfarin, tacrolimus, phenytoin, diazepam, escitalopram, and citalopram.

Additional Information: Omeprazol tablets and capsules should not be used without prior approval of a trained physician and don't share these drugs with anybody else. Omeprazol tablets and capsules are made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.