How long can you take Omeprazole without a break?

Release form. Compound

Omeprazole is produced by Russian drug manufacturers:

• Ozone is a pharmaceutical company with eighteen years of experience.
• JSC "Sintez"
• JSC "AVVA RUS".
• CJSC "Canonpharma Production"

Drugs with similar effects and varying dosages are also produced abroad.

On the pharmaceutical market, this medical drug is presented in the form of hard enteric capsules of 20 mg with granules inside. This drug does not come in tablet form. But powder for preparing a solution for injection is found.

One blister pack contains from seven to ten pieces of medicine. A pack of a medicinal product may consist of several blister packs. Therefore, the patient can freely choose the right amount of medication for complete treatment.

The main element of the chemical composition of the remedy is omeprazole. Among the auxiliary elements are the following:

• Food coloring E 171.
• Sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid.
• Collagen.
• Methylparaben.
• Disaccharide.
• Glycerol.
• Distilled water.
• Calcium carbonate.

Methods of administration and dosage

How long can you take Omeprazole for heartburn? The answer to the question depends on the cause of the unpleasant symptoms. The medicine is produced in capsules of 20 mg and 40 mg. In the first case, capsules are prescribed to prevent signs of heartburn, in the second - for the treatment of diseases associated with a burning sensation.

In case of exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and their occurrence in a severe form, the medicine is prescribed in a dosage of up to 180 mg at a time. Capsules are drunk 30 minutes before meals or the same period of time after meals.

Duration of therapy depending on the severity of the symptom and its cause:

• to eliminate an attack - a single dose;
• to eliminate heartburn caused by bad habits or dietary errors – 2 weeks;
• for stomach ulcers – up to 4 weeks;
• for chronic diseases of the digestive system – up to 2 months.

You cannot prescribe your own dosage. Incorrect calculations will lead to a lack of therapeutic effect or an overdose.

Pharmacological action (How does omeprazole work for heartburn)

This medication is an antisecretory agent. It works not with the consequence, but with the cause of the disease.

In medical practice, it is actively used to treat erosions and stomach ulcers of various origins. Omeprazole is a proton pump blocker.

This medication balances the acid levels in the stomach. Relieves inflammation of the pancreas. Relieves the acute phase of pathological manifestations.

An hour after taking the medicine, the patient may feel relief from pain. The relief will last twenty-four hours. A person will feel a positive result from treatment therapy in three to four days. After finishing taking the medication, the effect of treatment may last for a couple of days.

This medication is characterized by enveloping and antibacterial properties. Promotes rapid healing of wounds on the mucous membrane of the human digestive system. It also eliminates nausea, sour belching, bloating and spasms in the digestive tract.

This medicine should not be taken if the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is low.

The effect of the drug on the body

Hydrochloric acid is produced in the parietal (lining) cells of the stomach. In a number of diseases, excess acidity leads to damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines and esophagus, causing inflammation and damage (ulcer formation). Diseases of this etiology are accompanied by pain, heartburn, and stool disorders. Diagnosed increased acidity of gastric secretions is an indication for the prescription of PPIs - proton pump inhibitors, which include Omeprazole.

Positive effect

Omeprazole, entering the stomach, is activated in the excretory tubules of these cells and blocks the final stage of acid formation at the molecular level. Regular use of the medicine allows you to achieve a lasting reduction in the acidity of gastric juice and get rid of many unpleasant symptoms. The effect of the drug begins within the first hour after administration and lasts up to 24 hours.

Due to its ability to reduce the acidity of gastric secretions, Omeprazole helps:

• reliably relieve acute pain in the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract;
• get rid of heartburn attacks;
• as part of complex therapy - accelerate the healing of damage to the mucous membranes, relieve inflammation;
• reduce digestive discomfort, stop the feeling of nausea, stop attacks of sour belching.

Therefore, the drug is prescribed for a variety of pathologies - it is used in the complex treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, reflux esophagitis and other diseases. According to the instructions, the recommended duration of therapy is up to 8 weeks. Many patients have a question: is Omeprazole harmful if taken for a long time? The answer is known and confirmed by research.

Negative Impact

For various diseases, the prescribed course of PPI (proton pump inhibitor) ranges from 2 to 8 weeks , at the discretion of the attending physician. Exceeding the recommended duration of use is dangerous to health.

Omeprazole is a potent drug, its use has contraindications and can cause side effects. The likelihood of complications increases with long-term use.

What is the harm from Omeprazole? Let's take a closer look:

• Acid in the stomach, along with digestive enzymes, is responsible for the quality digestion of food. A decrease in the acidity of gastric secretions leads to a deterioration in the absorption of nutrients. Therefore, with long-term use of drugs that block the secretion of hydrochloric acid, hypovitaminosis and anemia develop. There is a high probability of various diseases caused by a lack of important vitamins and microelements;
• Long-term suppression of gastric acidity provokes the development of various infectious diseases, both in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and beyond;
• If you take Omeprazole for a long time, protein compounds accumulate in the body's cells. This impairs functioning processes and accelerates cell aging;
• Exceeding the recommended course of intake has a negative effect on the functioning of the kidneys and liver, and brain and cardiac activity worsens. Constant use of the drug, especially in old age, can provoke the development of dementia and heart attacks.

Thus, all the negative consequences of long-term use of Omeprazole are due to two main reasons:

• Deterioration in the absorption of vital substances from food (iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins and others);
• Accumulation of toxic compounds in body cells and deterioration of their functioning.

It is important to adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor - this will minimize possible complications. The doctor should decide how long Omeprazole can be taken without interruption, based on the individual clinical picture.

Indications

Gastroenterologists prescribe this drug to relieve unpleasant episodic symptoms. Omeprazole is often prescribed for the treatment of the following digestive diseases:

• Peptic ulcer of bacterial origin.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Heartburn.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gastritis with increased levels of hydrochloric acid.
• Erosive esophagitis.
• Multiple endocrine adenomatosis.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Digestive disorders due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Prevention of recurrence of peptic ulcer.

The listed indications are contained in the description of the drug and require careful study.

When is the remedy prescribed?

Treatment with the drug is prescribed to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, including heartburn, in the following cases:

• chronic inflammatory process in the pancreas;
• exacerbation of pathologies of the digestive organs;
• digestive diseases caused by increased acidity.

The drug is used for the following diseases:

• peptic ulcer;
• gastritis;
• duodenitis;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
• reflux esophagitis;
• induced gastropathy;
• polyendocrine adenomatosis;
• pancreatitis;
• oncological processes in the stomach;
• heartburn that occurs for various reasons.

These indications for use are indicated in the instructions. Omeprazole is also used in cases of damage to the digestive organs by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Contraindications

A distinctive property of Omeprazole is that it is well tolerated by people with different medical histories and the absence of severe consequences.

To avoid unpleasant results from taking any medication, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Among them are:

• Hypersensitivity to the active element of the drug.
• Kidney dysfunction.
• Chronic liver diseases (including history).
• Childhood. In case of urgent need, taking the drug is agreed with the attending physician.
• Malignant neoplasms.
• Osteoporosis.
• Gastritis with low levels of hydrochloric acid.

If the dose of the drug is not increased in consultation with the doctor, the following symptoms of overdose may occur:

• Prostration.
• Insomnia.
• Increased body temperature.
• Cardiopalmus.
• Weakening of visual function.
• Decreased functioning of the salivary glands.

To relieve signs of overdose, symptomatic therapy is prescribed.

Elderly patients with chronic kidney and liver diseases should use this drug only in consultation with their doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Omeprazole should not be taken by women expecting a baby. Its use before twelve weeks of pregnancy can lead to disturbances in the development of the child. After twelve weeks of pregnancy, the drug is taken under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Omeprazole should not be taken by women expecting a baby.

The active chemical element of the drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, nursing mothers are prohibited from treating heartburn with this drug. If there is no alternative, you should stop feeding the child for the duration of the medication.

Release form and principle of action of the drug

This medicine belongs to the category of antiulcer drugs. The main active ingredient bears the same name and is a proton pump inhibitor.

The mechanism of action is that when omeprazole enters the human body, it blocks the production of hydrochloric acid at the cellular level. Against the background of a decreased acidity level, more successful healing of mucosal damage occurs.

Mostly, such products are made in gelatin capsules with small granules inside. Tablets are less common. The medicine can also be produced in the form of a powder from which a suspension is prepared. The action of the drug is based on its property of inhibiting gastric secretion.

This drug belongs to the category of antiulcer drugs. The main active ingredient is the chemical compound of the same name, which belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitors.

The mechanics of its effect on the human body is that omeprazole at the cellular level reduces the production of hydrochloric acid. Against the background of a decreased level of acidity, more successful healing of mucosal damage occurs.

Side effects

Deterioration in a person’s somatic health can occur with long-term use of Omeprazole. After discontinuation of the drug, body functions stabilize.

Let us note the following possible side effects on the human body:

• Renal dysfunction.
• Digestive system disorders: constipation, diarrhea.
• Excessive gas formation.
• Difficulty in the absorption of calcium and iron. The result is anemia and fractures.
• Xerostomia.
• Allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, difficulty breathing, Quincke's edema and other skin rashes.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Loss of strength, depression.
• Weakness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Changes in circulatory system parameters.
• Excessive sweating.

Regular use of Omeprazole for heartburn causes the body to become addicted and weaken the therapeutic effect. In this case, the patient should consult a doctor to prescribe an alternative medication.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol during treatment. After all, simultaneous use of medication with alcohol can lead to serious injuries to the inner lining of the digestive organs.

Contraindications and side effects

Despite its effectiveness and safety, Omez has some restrictions for use that should be considered before starting treatment.

• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• malignant and benign neoplasms;
• obstruction, perforation of the intestine, stomach;
• internal bleeding.

The drug is prescribed with caution to patients with severe forms of liver and kidney failure.

If you follow the instructions for use, side effects are rare, reversible and short-term. Possible negative reactions are pain in the epigastric region, changes in taste perception, nausea, bloating, headache, skin rashes, itching.

With long-term use, the level of leukocytes and platelets in the blood sometimes decreases, disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, and increased sensitivity of the epidermis to ultraviolet radiation are observed. Some patients report severe weakness and increased sweating during treatment with Omez. In case of an overdose, hearing loss, vision impairment, severe thirst, drowsiness, heart rhythm disturbances, and headache are observed. It is necessary to do a gastric lavage and take a sorbent.

The medicine reduces the effectiveness of Ampicillin, iron supplements, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, reduces the rate of elimination of anticoagulants, Diazepam. The antiulcer drug should not be taken simultaneously with alcoholic beverages.

Important! Omez does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or reduce concentration.

Analogs

If you are intolerant to the components of Omez, you can purchase analogues of the drug at the pharmacy, which are taken for heartburn.

Which is better Omez or Omeprazole? Both drugs have identical composition, indications and contraindications. Omez is produced in India, Omeprazole is a Russian-made medicine, its cost is slightly lower.

Ranitidine or Omez – which is more effective for heartburn? Medicines have similar effects, but contain different active substances. Ranitidine is a time-tested drug, has a low cost, acts quickly, but cannot be taken for a long time. Omez is a more modern remedy, has fewer contraindications, can be taken for liver and kidney failure, this remedy is better tolerated by patients in old age.

The attending physician will advise which medicine is best to replace Omez; independent replacement of the drug may reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Does Omez help with heartburn or not? Numerous reviews from patients and recommendations from doctors confirm the effectiveness and good tolerability of the drug. To avoid negative reactions during treatment, you must strictly adhere to the dosages indicated in the instructions.

How to take Omeprazole for heartburn

For heartburn, take Omeprazole twenty milligrams twice a day. Based on the results of the clinical picture, the daily dose of the medication taken can be increased from 120 to 180 mg.

The course of treatment takes from fourteen to sixty days. But only a gastroenterologist determines the timing of taking the medicine.

For preventive purposes, you can drink Omeprazole twenty milligrams in the morning and evening on an empty stomach. This scheme is established by a gastroenterologist for several days.

Before prescribing medication, a healthcare professional will determine the cause of heartburn. After all, heartburn is a consequence of a specific illness. Based on the test results, the regimen and duration of treatment are determined.

The instructions for use for various etiologies of heartburn suggest the following treatment plan:

• For mild dysfunction of the digestive organs, the medication is prescribed for seven or fourteen days.
• To prevent stomach and duodenal ulcers, this remedy is taken for thirty days.
• To maintain the remission stage of chronic diseases, the drug is prescribed for three months.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and reflux esophagitis require intensive therapy with diet for a long period.
• To treat gastritis caused by Helicobacter, antibacterial treatment and a set of measures aimed at other microbes are recommended.
• To prevent deterioration of physical health during hormonal therapy, painkillers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, the duration of use should not exceed three weeks.

Remember that Omeprazole against heartburn is prescribed by a doctor based on test results and general manifestations of the disease. Together with other medications, it can radically change the situation for the better.

Omeprazole does not help with heartburn, how to get rid of it?

The article was written by a therapist, gastroenterologist at our center, Yulia Rinatovna Kulikova .

Omeprazole is an antisecretory drug of the first generation of proton pump inhibitors, which has been used since 1979 and is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for patients with heartburn and hyperacidity of the stomach. It has a long-lasting inhibitory effect on gastric secretion and blocks the process of producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and therefore should relieve discomfort.

And if omeprazole does not help you or has stopped helping, it is necessary: ​​“to understand the reasons,” as the chief physician of the Gastroenterological Center, Sabir Nasredinovich Mehdiev, says.

Causes of heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning pain that appears behind the breastbone and/or in the epigastric region, spreading up to the throat as a result of the reflux of aggressive gastric contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).

Heartburn most often occurs on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal: sweets, spicy, fatty or spicy foods. Reflux and its consequence heartburn are provoked by lard, dark chocolate, strong coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruits, especially in combination with smoking and alcohol. Being overweight or obese interferes with the functioning of the esophagus and stomach and can also cause heartburn.

If the feeling of heartburn or eaten food in the mouth occurs in a horizontal position, during physical work, including those associated with lifting heavy objects, bending the body down, additional examination is necessary. Since these symptoms may be manifestations of muscle failure (sphincter) - the locking mechanism between the esophagus and stomach . To fully examine the area of ​​the esophagogastric junction, it is necessary to first perform fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) . Based on the results of FGDS and your condition, the gastroenterologist will prescribe the necessary treatment.

In our center you have the opportunity to perform an FGDS and get a consultation with a gastroenterologist in one visit. Pre-registration is required by calling 426-33-88 or using the form on the website.

Several reasons why heartburn, despite the use of omeprazole, does not go away

1. It is very important to be able to distinguish heartburn from chest pain (“anginal pain”) , for which omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and other drugs do not help. This complex issue should be resolved at your appointment by your attending physician, if necessary, using ECG data and daily monitoring.

Our center sees a cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of the department of hospital therapy of St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. Academician I.P. Pavlova Mehtieva Olga Aleksandrovna, you can make an appointment by calling 426-33-88 or using the form on the website.

2. Persistent (difficult to treat) heartburn can be a manifestation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and even stomach cancer . Often the “faithful companion” of these diseases is Helicobacter pylori infection, which in most cases leads to their exacerbation. Treatment in each case is individual and is carried out based on the results of an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, as well as a 13C-urease breath test to detect Helicobacter pylori infection.

3. In addition, heartburn that cannot be treated can be a manifestation of bile reflux (reflux) . In this case, bile entering the stomach is the main cause of all symptoms. In this situation, taking omeprazole can only worsen the patient's condition. The cause of biliary (bile) reflux is often congenital anomalies in the structure of the gallbladder, leading to disruption of the function of its emptying, as well as changes in the rheological properties of bile (cholelithiasis, biliary “sludge”). High-resolution ultrasound of the abdominal organs, as well as dynamic ultrasound of the gallbladder function, can exclude concomitant diseases.

You can undergo a high-resolution ultrasound of the abdominal organs, as well as a dynamic ultrasound of the gallbladder function and get a consultation with a gastroenterologist at our center by calling 426-33-88 or using the form on the website.

Although drugs from the proton pump inhibitor family (omeprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, etc.) are the basic and most effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux in most cases, patients whose symptoms do not disappear after taking these drugs according to the regimen prescribed by a doctor, must be fully and comprehensively examined to exclude other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Such an examination, including the necessary tests, a breath test, FGDS, and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, can be completed in our center in one day. Pre-registration is required by calling 426-33-88 or using the form on the website.

How long can you take Omeprazole without interruption?

With the help of this medication, attacks of burning in the upper abdomen are stopped very quickly. But in order to fully recover, a complete rehabilitation of the patient is required.

The duration of treatment is directly related to the causes and nature of the disease. However, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

1. As a one-time use to relieve heartburn, it is enough to immediately drink 40 mg.
2. To prevent a mild burning sensation behind the sternum, take the medicine for one week.
3. Treatment for disorders of the digestive system can take up to three weeks.
4. Exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer prolongs therapeutic treatment to one month.
5. Long-term use of Omeprazole is prescribed for complex pathologies of the digestive system.

Long-term therapy with this drug requires adjustment and dose reduction under the strict supervision of a specialist. Due to possible withdrawal symptoms, you should not stop taking this medicine immediately.

To maximize the effect of treatment, the drug should be combined with diet therapy.

Interaction with other drugs

When prescribing Omeprazole, it is necessary to take into account the ability of the drug to enter into a chemical reaction with other drugs:

• Slows down the absorption of Lidocaine, Diclofenac, Theophylline and iron-containing drugs.
• Promotes good absorption of Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin.
• Increases the bioavailability of certain medications that help with low hydrochloric acid.
• Some combination in therapy with antacid drugs is possible.

While taking this medication, a person can continue to work and drive. If dizziness or weakness occurs, it is recommended to stop this activity.

Analogs

The pharmaceutical market is represented by a sufficient number of analogues of this medicine. The main active ingredients contain Orthanol and Omez. When purchasing Omez or Omeprazole, the fundamental factor is the price. After all, Omeprazole costs half as much as these analogues.

Alternative drugs with similar effects are the following drugs:

• Omeprazole-Teva.
• "Omeprazole STADA".
• "Omeprazole-Acri".
• Promez.
• Onex.
• Omizak.
• Romesek.
• Lansazole.
• Ultop.
• Cisagast.

These drugs are very helpful in treating burning sensation in the upper abdomen. The choice of medication is determined by the patient’s condition and the prescribed treatment regimen.

Omeprazole for heartburn helps relieve acute attacks of pain. It also has a positive effect on stabilizing the condition of a patient with a chronic disease of the digestive system. Therapy with this drug is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician.

How it works for heartburn

To put it simply, the medicine neutralizes the production of hydrochloric acid, which causes heartburn. Thanks to this, it is possible to eliminate the main symptom of heartburn - a burning sensation in the upper abdominal cavity, affecting the throat and esophagus. The only way to eliminate this sensation is to take a product with the property of neutralizing acid. Omez is exactly such a medicine.

After the drug enters the body, the transport of chlorine and hydrogen, the main substances responsible for the formation of hydrochloric acid, is inhibited. Taking Omez for heartburn is especially effective, given the rapid effect on the cause of heartburn and relief immediately after taking the drug. However, for greater effectiveness of treatment, the drug Omez is used as part of complex therapy as one of the remedies.

Price

Omeprazole can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription. In the pharmaceutical market it is characterized by an adequate price. For ten pieces in a cardboard package you can pay 26 rubles 80 kopecks, for thirty pieces - from 33 rubles. Pricing is influenced by the reputation of the manufacturer, region and pharmacy chain.

This remedy does not require special storage. It is enough to put it in your home medicine cabinet and keep it at room temperature. The drug will be effective for three years from the date of release.

Remember that heartburn is not a disease, but a separate symptom of many diseases. Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of the unpleasant heat behind the sternum. Conduct an examination and adjust your eating behavior. After all, paying close attention to your own body will help prevent various ailments of the digestive system.