What does it do?

Omeprazole is used to treat and prevent some stomach and gut problems, such as indigestion, reflux, and ulcers. It reduces the amount of acid made in your stomach.

Before you start

• Tell your health professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take omeprazole regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but it may work better if you take it before food.
Capsule or tablet: If you have trouble swallowing you can open the capsule or break the tablet and mix with a small amount of soft food or liquid. Swallow without chewing. Do not crush the capsule contents or tablets.
Liquid: Shake well before use. Measure each dose carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with omeprazole including:

• iron supplements (e.g. Ferro-Tab®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Muscle twitching or cramps, tiredness or weakness, tingling or numbness (may be signs of low magnesium)	Tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Rarely, omeprazole can cause kidney problems. Often there are no symptoms, but you may feel unusually tired or weak, or have a fever or nausea. Discuss this with your health professional.
• If your symptoms are well managed, talk to your doctor about whether you need to keep taking omeprazole – they may recommend that you stop it. When you stop you may get symptoms like reflux and heartburn but these should only last for a few weeks. Talk to your health professional if these are troublesome, or if they do not get better.
• Long-term use of omeprazole may cause bone problems, gut infections, and low vitamin B12. Tell your doctor if you have weak bones (osteoporosis), if you experience severe diarrhoea or stomach cramps or have concerns about vitamin B12. Talk to your doctor about how long you should take omeprazole for.
• Store omeprazole liquid in the fridge. If you have any liquid leftover after the expiry date on the bottle, take it back to your pharmacy.