Losec 20mg Capsules

Omeprazole lowers the amount of acid your stomach makes. It is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

It is used for heartburn, acid reflux (GORD) and stomach ulcers. Together with antibiotics, it is also used to clear H. pylori, a germ that can cause ulcers.

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day in the morning.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow tablets and capsules whole with water. Do not chew or crush gastro-resistant tablets or capsules.
• If you buy it without a prescription, see a doctor if you still need it after 2 weeks.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• tummy pain, feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea or constipation
• wind

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or trouble breathing
• blistering, peeling or a widespread rash with fever
• yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• a rash on sun-exposed skin with joint pain
• fever with sore throat or mouth ulcers
• passing less urine, or blood in the urine

Long-term use can lower vitamin B12 and may make bones more likely to break.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to omeprazole or a similar medicine (such as lansoprazole or pantoprazole)
• have liver or kidney problems, or thin bones (osteoporosis)
• have lost weight without trying, have trouble swallowing, vomit blood or pass black stools
• take warfarin, clopidogrel, digoxin, methotrexate, phenytoin, St John's wort, or HIV medicines such as nelfinavir or atazanavir
• are due a blood test for Chromogranin A
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Store below 25°C in the original package to protect from moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Hidden problems: omeprazole can mask signs of more serious stomach problems. See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or you notice warning signs like weight loss or vomiting blood.

Long-term use: if you take it for more than a year, your doctor may want regular check-ups.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is usually considered acceptable, but ask your doctor or pharmacist first.