Description
Omeprazole is a prescription only medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This group of medicines offer effective treatment for conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Patients are usually prescribed Omeprazole 10mg or Omeprazole 20mg as a starting dose, with the possibility of increasing the dose to 40mg if ineffective.
You can buy Omeprazole 40mg, 20mg or 10mg here at Pharmacy Online. Simply start a consultation with our UK registered online pharmacist, who can provide an Omeprazole prescription following a short assessment.
There are risks of side effects when taking Omeprazole, as is the case with any medication. Most side effects are mild and will reduce over time, however some can be more serious and should be reported to your doctor right away.
Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking omeprazole.
Common side effects of taking Omeprazole may include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
There are some rare yet severe side effects associated with Omeprazole.
You should seek medical attention if:
- You experience joint pain along with a red skin rash, especially in parts of your body exposed to the sun, such as your arms, cheeks and nose. This can be a sign of a rare condition called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Your skin becomes yellow, or your urine is darker – this could be liver problems
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea
It is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to omeprazole.
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How to take Omeprazole tablets
One Omeprazole tablet is taken daily in the morning, and can be taken with or without food. Sometimes, a GP may recommend taking two Omeprazole capsules daily – in this case, tablets are taken once in the morning and once in the evening.
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Are prescription Omeprazole tablets the same as over-the-counter PPIs?
Omeprazole tablets belong to the PPI medication group, which are available over the counter.
With most medications, prescription forms will contain a higher amount of the active ingredient than in over the counter medications.
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Are Omeprazole tablets safe?
Omeprazole is generally a very safe medication to use when taken correctly. It is usually advised to take Omeprazole for up to 2 weeks, and then see a GP if your symptoms persist past this point.
Long term use of Omeprazole and PPIs in general can increase the chances of kidney disease, pneumonia and bacterial infections.
You should only use Omeprazole as advised by a healthcare professional.
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How do you take Omeprazole?
Omeprazole can be taken with or without food. It is taken daily at the same time each day, patients usually take Omeprazole in the morning.
It takes 2 to 3 days to begin to work, and it may take up to four weeks to work properly.
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How long should I take Omeprazole for?
Omeprazole should be taken for no longer than 2 weeks to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. If symptoms do persist, then it is advisable to see your GP – as this may indicate a more serious condition.
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Can I drink alcohol while taking Omeprazole?
Drinking alcohol while taking a proton pump inhibitor can result in increased side effects and worsening of acid reflux.
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What is Omeprazole used for?
Omeprazole is used for treating acid reflux and other gastro-oesophageal reflux conditions.
When Omeprazole is taken, it reduces the amount of stomach acid produced by enzymes in the body, limiting the ability for acid to reflux up out of the stomach.
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How does Omeprazole work?
Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, reducing the chances of acid reflux occurring in the respiratory tract.
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Can Omeprazole be taken during pregnancy?
It is safe to take Omeprazole during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. However, it is always best to try and relieve acid reflux without medication whilst pregnant.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
You will usually take Omeprazole once a day. If you miss your usual dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s 12 hours or less until your next dose, in which case, just wait.
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Who can and can’t take Omeprazole?
Omeprazole 20mg can be taken by most adults, however, tell your doctor immediately if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or any other medicin
- have liver problems
- are due to have an endoscopy
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How to order Omeprazole tablets online
Begin your order for Omeprazole by starting a consultation with our online pharmacist. You will complete a short assessment, answering questions about your symptoms and condition. Our doctors will then assess your requirements and issue a suitable prescription.
