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.
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.
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.
