Proton Pump Inhibiters Gastric Reducer Omeprazole Capsule 20mg

HOW TO TAKE omeprazole 20 mg capsules

Always take omeprazole 20 mg capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and how long to take them for. This will depend on your condition and how old you are.

The usual doses are given below.

Adults:

To treat symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and acid regurgitation:

• If your doctor has found that your food pipe (gullet) has been slightly damaged, the usual dose is 20 mg once a day for 4-8 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take a dose of 40 mg for a further 8 weeks if your gullet has not yet healed.
• The usual dose once the gullet has healed is 10 mg once a day.
• If your gullet has not been damaged, the usual dose is 10 mg once a day.

To treat ulcers in the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer):

• The usual dose is 20 mg once a day for 2 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for a further 2 weeks if your ulcer has not yet healed.
• If the ulcer do not fully heal, the dose can be increased to 40 mg once a day for 4 weeks.

To treat ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcer):

• The usual dose is 20 mg once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for a further 4 weeks if your ulcer has not yet healed.
• If the ulcer do not fully heal, the dose can be increased to 40 mg once a day for 8 weeks.

To prevent the duodenal and stomach ulcers from coming back:

• The usual dose is 10 mg or 20 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg once a day.

To treat duodenal and stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):

• The usual dose is 20 mg once a day for 4-8 weeks.

To prevent duodenal and stomach ulcers if you are taking NSAIDs:

• The usual dose is 20 mg once a day.

To treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pyloriinfection and to stop them coming back:

• The usual dose is 20 mg omeprazole 20 mg capsules twice a day for one week.
• Your doctor will also tell you to take two antibiotics among amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole.

To treat too much acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome):

• The usual dose is 60 mg daily.
• Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on your needs and will also decide how long you need to take the medicine for.

Children:

To treat symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and acid regurgitation:

• Children over 1 year of age and with a body weight of more than 10 kg may take omeprazole 20 mg capsules. The dose for children is based on the child's weight and the doctor will decide the correct dose.

To treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and to stop them coming back:

• Children aged over 4 years may take omeprazole 20 mg capsules. The dose for children is based on the child's weight and the doctor will decide the correct dose.
• Your doctor will also prescribe two antibiotics called amoxicillin and clarithromycin for your child.

Taking this medicine

• It is recommended that you take your capsules in the morning.
• You can take your capsules with food or on an empty stomach.
• Swallow your capsules whole with half a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules. This is because the capsules contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage the pellets.

What to do if you or your child have trouble swallowing the capsules

• If you or your child have trouble swallowing the capsules:
  • Open the capsules and swallow the contents directly with half a glass of water or put the contents into a glass of still (non-fizzy) water, any acidic fruit juice (e.g. apple, orange or pineapple) or apple sauce.
  • Always stir the mixture just before drinking it (the mixture will not be clear). Then drink the mixture straight away or within 30 minutes.
  • To make sure that you have drunk all of the medicine, rinse the glass very well with half a glass of water and drink it. The solid pieces contain the medicine - do not chew or crush them.

If you take more omeprazole 20 mg capsules than you should

If you take more omeprazole 20 mg capsules than prescribed by your doctor, talk to your doctor or pharmacist straight away.

If you forget to take omeprazole 20 mg capsules

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.