Omeprazole Side Effects (Prilosec)

A Patient’s Guide to the Side Effects of Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a type of medication used to treat the various symptoms caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and other medical conditions where the stomach produces an excessive amount of acid. Omeprazole is sold under the brand names of Zegerid and Prilosec. This medication belongs to the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs. Although there are relatively few side effects of omeprazole, patients with certain medical problems should avoid using this drug.

Conditions Treated by Omeprazole

There is one common factor in the diseases that respond favorably to omeprazole: an overproduction of stomach acid. When an excess of acid is created, the acid will gradually eat away at the esophagus and stomach lining, causing severe discomfort to the sufferer. For instance, GERD is a medical condition that occurs when the extra acid is pushed up the esophagus. Subsequently, erosive esophagitis happens, causing esophageal ulcers and swelling.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is another medical condition treated by omeprazole. Markers of this syndrome are sores that occur on the intestinal wall and stomach lining due to an overproduction of stomach acid. The few, minor side effects of omeprazole outweigh the benefits of keeping the aforementioned disorders under control.

How Omeprazole Works

Stomach acid is created by certain enzymes found in the stomach. As a proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole's main function is to decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This drug works by blocking the stomach enzymes, preventing them from producing an excess of acid. By lowering the stomach's acid levels, the patient's esophagus and stomach are given time to heal. In some cases, omeprazole can repair esophageal damage created by stomach-acid disorders.

Dosages and Forms of Omeprazole

Whether generic or brand name, omeprazole is available in capsule, powder and tablet forms. Low doses of omeprazole can be purchased in pill form over the counter. Larger doses must be prescribed by a doctor. The exact prescription dose depends on the disorder being treated and information about the specific patient. Usage instructions must be carefully followed in order to minimize the side effects of omeprazole.

Common and Rare Side Effects of Omeprazole

Most patients experience few, mild side effects of omeprazole. Among the most common side effects caused by taking omeprazole include diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, gas, nausea, stomach pain, rashes and vomiting. Some patients have reported more rare side effects of omeprazole, such as abnormal heartbeats, leg cramps, malaise, muscle weakness, nervousness and water retention. Those who experience difficulty breathing, hives and swelling in the throat and face need to seek emergency medical attention right away. Any unrelenting or severe side effects of omeprazole should be reported to the patient's prescribing physician.

Patients Who Should Avoid Omeprazole

While omeprazole can be used safely by many people, some patients should avoid taking this drug. Pregnant women can use omeprazole when the benefits outweigh the risks, but nursing mothers are advised against it. Those who suffer from liver or heart disease should not take omeprazole. In order to determine the risks of using omeprazole, the doctor will first need to know the patient's complete medical history.

If you've come here looking to buy Omeprazole, I can recommend Omeprazole Direct.They are the largest seller of omeprazole online and offer very competitive pricing, and cheap bulk pricing as well.

No related posts.