Omeprazole is a treatment for a number of stomach disorders. Its mechanism of action is focused on reducing the acid naturally produced in the stomach. Omeprazole was first introduced by an Anglo-Swedish company, AstraZeneca PLC, under the trade names Losec and Prilosec. It has since made available as a generic drug, however, by other manufacturers under different brand names. Omeprazole is mostly available through prescription but some countries also allow it being sold over-the-counter.
Omeprazole is mostly used to treat dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and erosive esophagitis. Its ability to control the production of stomach acid helps in alleviating the symptoms of the above mentioned disorders. At times, Omeprazole is also given in a combination with an antibiotic to treat gastric ulcer, which is caused by an infection of helicobacter pylori. It is not indicated to be used as a relief for heartburn.
Omeprazole use must be carefully consulted with a doctor. Allergy to the drug and its components must be ruled out to ensure the patient’s safety during treatment. Liver disease, heartburn, chest pain, weight loss, vomiting, and stomach pain must be looked upon thoroughly before an Omeprazole prescription is made. Patients with such conditions may need a dosage adjustment or a different drug altogether as a form of treatment. This will depend on the doctor’s findings after putting you through a series of tests.
Omeprazole is contraindicated to patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The drug is found harmful to an unborn baby. It can also pass through breastfeeding and may affect the nursing baby. Make sure that you have discussed this concerns with your doctor before getting an Omeprazole prescription.
Omeprazole is available in tablet and capsule forms. It is also available in injectable form in the United Kingdom. Omeprazole intake is mostly advised before meal time. It can be prescribed for once, twice, or thrice a day use depending on the amount of stomach acid that your system produces. Omeprazole is available in many different strengths. Make sure that you are using the applicable strength to your case.
Omeprazole can cause several side effects. Some are mild while some can be severe. Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, cough, and back pain are normal reactions of the body to Omeprazole use. If they persist or worsen or come with adverse reactions such as breathing difficulty, hoarseness, seizures, and muscle spasms, you must call your doctor immediately.
Omeprazole is usually prescribed for a period of two weeks. It is important that you use the medicine for the prescribed length of time to ensure its efficiency. In some cases, Omeprazole is prescribed for another two weeks for months after the first treatment.
Omeprazole should provide relief to your symptoms of stomach disorder. Its use must be directed by a doctor to ensure that you are using the right medicine, at the right length of time, and in the right suspension. You cannot hare your prescription to someone with the same symptoms as yours as this can be risky. In the same way, you cannot just adopt someone else’s prescription.
Omeprazole has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of omeprazole is C17H19N3O3S
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 5-methoxy-2-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-pyridin-2-yl)methylsulfinyl]-3H-benzoimidazole
• Molecular weight is 345.417 g/mol
• Omeprazole available : 10mg tablets, 20mg tablets, 40mg tablets
Brand name(s): Antra, Audazol, Aulcer, Belmazol, Ceprandal, Danlox, Demeprazol, Desec, Dizprazol, Dudencer, Elgam, Emeproton, Epirazole, Erbolin, Exter, Gasec, Gastrimut, Gastroloc, Gibancer, Indurgan, Inhibitron, Inhipump, Lensor, Logastric, Lomac, Losec, Mepral, Miol, Miracid, Mopral, Morecon, Nilsec, Nopramin, Ocid, Olexin, Omapren, Omed, Omegast, Omepral, Omeprazol, Omeprazolum, Omeprazon, Omeprol, Omesek, Omezol, Omezolan, Omid, Omisec, Omizac, Ompanyt, Ortanol, Osiren, Ozoken, Paprazol, Parizac, Pepticum, Pepticus, Peptilcer, Prazentol, Prazidec, Prazolit, Prilosec, Procelac, Proclor, Prysma, Ramezol, Regulacid, Result, Sanamidol, Secrepina, Ulceral, Ulcesep, Ulcometion, Ulcozol, Ulcsep, Ulsen, Ultop, Ulzol, Victrix, Zefxon, Zegerid, Zepral, Zimor, Zoltum
Review published on: 06 July 2008
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