Omeprazole is part of a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), that prevent the enzymes in your stomach from making too much acid.
When your body over produces stomach acid, it can back up into your throat. This irritates the soft lining of the esophagus (throat) and causes a burning sensation in the throat and chest. This is known as acid reflux and it’s a common symptom of heartburn.
Other symptoms include:
- An unpleasant sour taste in your mouth
- A cough or hiccups
- Bloating and feeling sick (nausea)
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
Persistent or severe acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Omeprazole can be used to treat GERD in adults and children, as well as the majority of stomach ulcers, including those caused by H. pylori infections.
Omeprazole (20mg) comes in the form of a ‘delayed release capsule’, which means it stays in your system for longer. It travels slowly through the digestive system, and continues to provide relief from heartburn for up to 24 hours.
How to take omeprazole capsules (20mg)
You should take one capsule of omeprazole in the morning, at least an hour before eating – this is the most efficient way for your body to absorb the drug.
Omeprazole capsules are designed to remain intact until they reach your stomach, where they can start to take effect. We recommend that you swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water, without chewing or biting the capsule.
If you have problems swallowing tablets, break open the capsule and mix the contents with water or juice then drink it immediately – do not prepare it in advance.
It can take up to four days before you start to see a notable difference in your symptoms. If you have seen no improvement after 14 days, then we recommend that you talk to your doctor, who can guide you through alternative treatments.
You should always read the patient information leaflet before you start treatment.
When to seek help
In rare cases, heartburn can be caused by an underlying condition, which can go undetected while you are treating the problem. If you have any of the following symptoms, we recommend that you seek immediate medical advice:
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Losing a lot of weight for no obvious reason
- Blood in your stool (faeces)
- Food getting stuck in your throat
- Persistent tummy pain or frequently being sick
Your GP will arrange for tests to investigate the reason for your symptoms.
Omeprazole can cause mild side effects in some people. Common side effects of omeprazole, include:
- Abdominal pain (stomach ache)
- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Do not take omeprazole if you are:
- You are allergic to omeprazole or any of the other ingredients listed with the pack
- You are allergic to any other proton pump inhibitor (PPI) e.g., pantoprazole
- You are taking a medicine called nelfinavir for the treatment of HIV
Omeprazole can affect the way some other medicines work, so if you are taking any other medication or you have recently taken anything, tell your GP or pharmacist.
Before you buy your medicines from Post My Meds, our pharmacists will ask you a few questions to rule out any possible drug interactions and check to make sure it is safe for you to take omeprazole capsules. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine before you start taking it.
What is Omeprazole used for?
Omeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. It is also used to manage more serious, long-term conditions, such as:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut
- Ulcers in the upper part of the intestine and the stomach
- Ulcers caused due to infection by the bacteria H.pylori
Omeprazole can prevent and treat ulcers, and is often used in patients who are at high risk of developing an ulcer caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Children over one years old may be prescribed Omeprazole to treat GORD, and in children over four years old, it can be used to help treat ulcers caused by H.pylori.
How long does Omeprazole take to work?
Most people will start to see an improvement in their symptoms after four days, but for some, it can take longer. If you don’t see a notable difference after 14 days then speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments.
What is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is part of a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It’s used to treat the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, including a burning sensation in the chest and an uncomfortable sour taste in the mouth. It works by inhibiting a key enzyme, called a proton pump, to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
When to take Omeprazole
Omeprazole generally works best when it is taken in the morning at least an hour before food.
The capsules have an enteric coating to stop them from being broken down too quickly, so they should not be chewed or crushed. If you have problems swallowing tablets, try breaking open the capsule and mixing the contents with water or juice.
Can you buy omeprazole over the counter?
Omeprazole capsules (10mg) are available to buy over the counter from high street pharmacies. You do not need a prescription to buy over the counter medicines, but you should follow any guidance given to you by healthcare professionals.
A registered online pharmacy like Post My Meds can prescribe 20mg omeprazole. Before we process your order, you will be asked to complete a short online consultation, so we can check to make sure it is safe for you to take omeprazole. If we think there is a better alternative that is more suited to your needs, we will let you know.
Can you take omeprazole with antacids?
Antacids are used to treat heartburn by neutralising stomach acid. Some people benefit from taking omeprazole alongside antacids for optimum relief from acid reflux. We recommend that you leave at least two hours between taking these medicines.
How do omeprazole capsules work?
Omeprazole works by inhibiting enzymes in your gut, which reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. One tablet provides relief from acid reflux for up to 24 hours.
Can omeprazole be used to treat ulcers?
In adults, omeprazole can be used to treat:
- Ulcers in the upper part of the intestine and the stomach
- Ulcers infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori
- Ulcers caused by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Omeprazole can also be used to treat ulcers infected with H.pylori, in children and adolescents over the age of four.
Please note: omeprazole should only be used to manage symptoms associated with an ulcer when prescribed by a doctor for this purpose. If you suspect you are suffering from a ulcer you should arrange to see your GP promptly.
What is the difference between omeprazole and H2 blockers?
Omeprazole is part of a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They work in a similar way to H2 blockers by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. However, both medicines block or inhibit different instigators in acid production. PPIs are generally prescribed to treat more severe cases of acid reflux.
Is it safe to buy omeprazole UK online?
Buying medicine online is a safe and convenient alternative to the high street.
Post My Meds is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and the medicines we sell are approved by the UK’s regulator for medicines and healthcare products.
For more information about the way we operate, speak to one of our friendly team who will be happy to answer your questions.
Can you take Gaviscon with Omeprazole?
Gaviscon can be used alongside Omeprazole, but we recommend leaving at least two hours between taking the two medicines.
Can I take Omeprazole after eating?
Omeprazole can be taken with or without food, but it works best when it is taken in the morning an hour before eating.
Is Omeprazole a PPI?
Omeprazole contains the active ingredient, omeprazole, which is a type of PPI (proton pump inhibitor). There are four other types of PPI:
- Pantoprazole
- Lansoprazole
- Esomeprazole
- Rabeprazole
A proton pump is an enzyme in the stomach lining, responsible for producing the stomach acid that digests your food. Proton pump inhibitors, like Omeprazole, prevent the enzyme from doing its job thereby reducing the amount of stomach acid produced.
What is the difference between Omeprazole and Lansoprazole?
Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are both types of proton pump inhibitor (PPI). They work in the same way to decrease stomach acid for relief from heartburn and acid reflux. If Omeprazole doesn’t work, then you may be offered an alternative such as Lansoprazole.
Can I take Omeprazole at night?
For the best results, we generally recommend taking Omeprazole in the morning before food.
Does Omeprazole cause weight gain?
Some experts think that using Omeprazole long-term can cause weight gain.
If you are worried about the effect this medication might have on your general health, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to cope with the side effects.
Can I take Buscopan with Omeprazole?
Buscopan is not thought to interfere with Omeprazole, but you should always check with your pharmacist or doctor before you start taking any other treatment.
Which is safer, Ranitidine or Omeprazole?
Ranitidine is not available to buy in the UK or globally because of concerns over its safety. Omeprazole is a much safer alternative that works in a similar way by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
If you have used Ranitidine in the past and you have any concerns about the risk to your health, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Where can I buy Omeprazole?
Omeprazole 10mg is available to buy over the counter from most pharmacies. You can also buy a higher-strength version from private pharmacies, like Post My Meds.
It’s easy to buy online in just a few simple steps:
- Browse our range of acid reflux and indigestion treatments
- Complete a consultation for acid reflux and then select a suitable eligible treatment
- Buy securely with fast delivery
When you buy prescription medication online, you can expect to be asked questions about your ongoing health and any other medication you are currently taking. This helps our pharmacists to ensure it is safe for you to take Omeprazole before we prescribe it.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Orders placed before 4pm on a weekday and 11am on a Saturday are dispatched the same working day. Anything after this is dispatched the next working day. Delivery is free via Royal Mail, and everything is packaged discreetly to protect your privacy.
