From the Guidelines
Omeprazole is primarily used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach by blocking the enzyme system responsible for acid secretion 1. The typical adult dose ranges from 20-40mg once daily, usually taken before breakfast for best effect. Treatment duration varies by condition - 4-8 weeks for GERD or ulcers, though some patients require long-term maintenance therapy. Some key points to consider when using omeprazole include:
- The medication should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed, and taken consistently at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.
- Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Long-term use may increase risks of vitamin B12 deficiency, bone fractures, and kidney problems, so it's best used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.
- In patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis, a dose of 20 mg two times per day is recommended, with a clear explanation of its indication in correspondence with the primary care team 1.
- For patients with dyspepsia, full dose PPI therapy, such as omeprazole 20 mg once daily, should be the first choice of therapy in patients with ulcer-like dyspepsia 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1.1 Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer in adults. 1.2 Helicobacter pylori Eradication to Reduce the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence 1.3 Treatment of Active Benign Gastric Ulcer Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active benign gastric ulcer in adults. 1.4 Treatment of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD for up to 4 weeks in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.5 Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis (EE) Due to Acid-Mediated GERD 1.6 Maintenance of Healing of EE Due to Acid-Mediated GERD 1.7 Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas and systemic mastocytosis) in adults.
Omeprazole treats:
- Active duodenal ulcer
- Helicobacter pylori infection to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence
- Active benign gastric ulcer
- Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis (EE) due to acid-mediated GERD
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas, and systemic mastocytosis 2
From the Research
Conditions Treated by Omeprazole
- Gastric ulcer 3
- Duodenal ulcer 3
- Gastroesophageal reflux 3, 4
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome 3, 5, 6, 7
- Helicobacter pylori infection 4
- Peptic ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 4
- Reflux esophagitis 4, 5, 7
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) with or without oesophagitis 4
Treatment Regimens
- Omeprazole is typically administered at a dosage of 10 to 40 mg/day for adults and 10 to 20 mg/day for children 4
- For Helicobacter pylori infection, omeprazole is often used in combination with two antibacterial agents at a dosage of 40 mg/day for 7,10, or 14 days 4
- For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, omeprazole is used to reduce gastric acid secretion to less than 10 mEq/h in the last hour before the next dose of drug 5