From the FDA Drug Label
If you miss a dose of omeprazole delayed-release capsules, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
The missed morning dose of omeprazole should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time. Since the label does not specify taking the missed dose at night, and it is implied that the dose should be taken at the same time of day as the regular dose, it is best to delay taking the missed dose until the next morning if it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose 1.
From the Research
If a patient forgot to take their omeprazole in the morning, they can take it as soon as they remember that same day, even if it's at night, but if they don't remember until the next day, they should skip the missed dose and resume their regular morning schedule without doubling up. This approach is based on the understanding that omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production and is most effective when taken before eating, typically in the morning before breakfast 2. Taking it at night occasionally won't significantly impact its effectiveness, though consistency in timing helps maintain steady drug levels in the body. Some key points to consider:
- Omeprazole is effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, including heartburn, acid regurgitation, and dysphagia 3.
- The timing of omeprazole administration can impact its effectiveness, with morning dosing generally preferred for consistency and efficacy 4.
- For patients who experience nighttime acid reflux symptoms, taking omeprazole in the evening may be beneficial, but this should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for individual cases 5.
- If a patient frequently forgets their morning dose, they might consider setting a daily reminder or placing the medication somewhere visible in their morning routine to improve adherence. It's also worth noting that while the evidence suggests that omeprazole can be effective when taken at night, the most recent and highest quality study 2 does not specifically address the issue of missed doses, but it does support the overall efficacy of omeprazole in treating GERD symptoms.