Omeprazole is the generic name for Prilosec, Losec, and Zegerid. Omeprazole is a type of medication under the proton pump inhibitor. This is one of the medicines that is advised for patients who are suffering from peptic ulcer and other conditions that are caused by acidity in the stomach.
Omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors reduce the production of acid in the stomach. Proton pumps are found in the cells that are lining up in the stomach. These are the ones that produce acid in the stomach. By hindering the production of the acids in the stomach, the amount of acid lessens. This drug can treat various problems that are caused by stomach acidity.
One of these problems is acid reflux. The acid in the stomach also tends to flow back to the esophagus or the food pipe. This condition is acid reflux. This problem can cause a sensation in the chest wherein it somehow burs. This feeling is called heartburn. There is also a possibility when the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated and damage because of the frequent acid reflux. By taking in Omeprazole, it reduces acid, therefore, alleviates any possible effect of acid reflux.
Omeprazole side effect long term use is also warned and recommended by the doctors for patients who are suffering from peptic ulcer. Since Omeprazole reduces acidity in the stomach, it helps in allowing the sores to heal and prevent these ulcers from recurring.
Peptic ulcers can be caused by different things. One of which is by taking anti-inflammatory medicines that are not steroids. This can be remedied by taking in Omeprazole. Omeprazole helps in counteracting the effect of these anti-inflammatory medicines and protects the stomach.
Another cause of peptic ulcer is the presence of Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria are often removed by taking in antibiotics as prescribed by the physician. But, Omeprazole is also taken in together with antibiotics in order to create a suitable environment. This can help in making these medicines more efficient.
But, Omeprazole cannot be taken in just because you are suffering from these problems. Seeking help and advice from the physician is very important. The dosage of Omeprazole will have to be decided by your physician depending on certain factors like other medical conditions of the patient, other medications that the patient is taking, his weight and the degree of his condition. The length and the frequency of taking the medicine will also be decided by the physician. This can depend on the degree of the condition.
There can also be side effects when taking Omeprazole. It is also like taking other medicines. Different people may have different reactions to different drugs. Most of the patients can experience headaches, diarrhea, flatulence, and vomiting when taking in Omeprazole. Others may also experience insomnia, chest pain, and stomach pains among others. These are the severe allergic reactions some patients could have when taking in this medicine.
There may also be times wherein patients forget their medication and miss them. In this case, it is advised that the patient does not double dose on the medicine. The patient can take medicine right away as long as it has only been missed within the one day. After taking in the right daily dosage, the patient can continue with the regular dosage as advised by the doctor.