Omeprazole is one of the most prescribed medicines in New Zealand. Have you ever struggled with acid reflux, indigestion, or similar stomach issues? Learn more about omeprazole for acid reflux, what it is, how to use it, and the side effects to watch out for.
Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. Some examples of PPIs available here in New Zealand include: omeprazole (Losec®), lansoprazole (Lanzol Relief®), and pantoprazole (Panzop Relief®).
PPIs work by lowering the amount of acid your stomach produces. This is why they are used for certain digestive conditions.
In New Zealand omeprazole is available with a prescription and over-the-counter from a pharmacy (without a prescription).
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, it is used to treat and prevent certain conditions linked to excess stomach acid, this can include acid reflux, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), indigestion, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
It may also be prescribed by healthcare professionals to protect the stomach of patients who need certain other medicines.
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole work by lowering the amount of acid your stomach produces. It does this by binding to and disabling proton pumps in the stomach lining, decreasing acid secretion.
In cases where stomach acid is causing irritation, PPIs like omeprazole can help your stomach lining, oesophagus, and small intestine become less irritated, reducing pain and burning.
Always take omeprazole exactly as instructed by your prescriber or pharmacist. Read the pharmacy label carefully, it will tell you how much to take, how often, plus any further instructions.
If you forget to take your omeprazole, simply take it as soon as you remember – if it’s nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the normal time and don’t double up.
Depending on the condition it can take time for omeprazole to provide relief, generally it may take 1 to 4 days to start to feel the effect. For conditions such as stomach ulcers, it may take weeks or months to provide relief.
Omeprazole can have side effects, like any other medicine. These common side effects may include:
A common side effect of omeprazole is rebound acid secretion, which occurs when omeprazole is stopped after being taken for several months or more. The production of stomach acid temporarily increases, causing symptoms such as indigestion, discomfort and pain in stomach and chest, and an acid taste in the mouth.
Rather than restarting the PPI you can take an antacid such as Gaviscon Double Strength tablets.
If you notice the following, tell your healthcare provider:
Some people may use omeprazole for longer periods of time, but generally you should avoid long-term use.
If you have purchased omeprazole over-the-counter you should not take it for more than 14 days, if symptoms continue beyond this or return, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are prescribed omeprazole for a condition, it is generally taken for 4 to 8 weeks, however for some conditions your healthcare professional may tell you to keep taking it long term.
If you have questions about taking omeprazole, you can talk to a pharmacist, and they can explain the risks and benefits for you.
Our service is designed to make managing multiple medicines easy. Our Monthly Medicines Service is free to eligible patients taking three or more regular medicines.
