What Is Omeprazole?

Tips For Taking It

Omeprazole typically needs to be taken at least one hour before eating, and patients should check the leaflet that comes with their medication for advice on medication timing. When using the oral suspension (liquid) version of this medicine, the patient should shake the bottle before dispensing the dose. The provided dosing syringe should be used to measure the appropriate dose; a kitchen spoon is not accurate. Patients who use the capsule form of omeprazole must swallow the whole capsule. Those who cannot do so may open the capsule and place the contents in a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce must then be consumed immediately. Omeprazole comes in a powdered form, and this needs to be dissolved in a tiny amount of water. Patients should drink the water immediately, and individuals who use a nasogastric tube can take it with a catheter-tipped syringe. When over-the-counter omeprazole is used, this must be taken for no more than fourteen days. Patients can expect their symptoms to improve within one to four days. After using over-the-counter omeprazole for fourteen days, the patient needs to wait at least four months before starting a new fourteen-day course of over-the-counter omeprazole. Omeprazole could affect certain laboratory tests, and patients should let all of their healthcare providers know they are taking this medicine. Omeprazole should be stored at room temperature, and it needs to be kept away from heat and moisture.

Uncover the symptoms of omeprazole overload next.