Omeprazol para reducir la acidez estomacal

About omeprazole

What is omeprazole used for?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of digestive conditions such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Omeprazole is also given as one part of a treatment to get rid of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium found in the stomach, which can cause ulcers.

Omeprazole is available on prescription. You can also buy short courses of omeprazole at a pharmacy for the treatment of reflux symptoms (such as heartburn) in adults.

How does omeprazole work?

Omeprazole works by stopping cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid. This can help to prevent ulcers from forming, or assist the healing process where damage has already occurred.

By decreasing the amount of acid, they can also help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as heartburn.

Side effects of omeprazole

The most common side effects of omeprazole are:

• Sensación de malestar (náuseas).

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Dolor de estómago.

• Farting.

• Diarrea.

• Estreñimiento.

• Dolor de cabeza.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que acompaña al medicamento.

Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes continúa o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage omeprazole side effects

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse al medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

Who should not take omeprazole?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking omeprazole let your doctor know about any of the following:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene alguno de los siguientes síntomas: dificultad para tragar, pérdida de sangre, pérdida de peso o si se encuentra mal (vómitos).

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.
  

How to take omeprazole

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about omeprazole and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Omeprazole tablets and capsules contain small pellets which are specially coated to make sure that the medicine is absorbed correctly by your body. Do not chew the pellets. If you find capsules or tablets difficult to swallow, let your doctor know.

• Some omeprazole capsules and tablets can be mixed with water or fruit juice to make swallowing easier and your doctor can prescribe these for you.

• Omeprazole can be taken before or after food, although taking it before food can be preferable.

Dosage

• If you have bought omeprazole for reflux symptoms such as heartburn, take one or two (10 mg) tablets daily, preferably in a morning. You may need to take omeprazole for a day or so to control your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve within this time, you should talk to your doctor about this.

  • Swallow the tablet with a drink of water - do not chew or crush the tablet before you swallow. Do not take omeprazole for more than four weeks without speaking with a doctor.

• If you have been prescribed omeprazole, take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are different strengths of tablets and capsules available so your doctor will tell you which is right for you. It is usually taken once a day.

  • If you are taking it for either Helicobacter pylori eradication or for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is likely you will be asked to take two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you and the directions will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.

Missed dose

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, you can take it when you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose).

• Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be checked. If you are taking omeprazole on a long-term basis your doctor will want to review your treatment at least once a year to make sure it is still right for you.

• A typical course of treatment lasts for one or two weeks if you are taking omeprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication. It will last for one or two months if it is to allow an ulcer to heal. For all other reasons for taking omeprazole, your treatment will last for as long as is necessary to control your symptoms.

• Some foods may make your symptoms worse. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of this include peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.

  • If it seems that a food is aggravating your symptoms, try avoiding it for a while to see if your symptoms improve.

  • Also, try avoiding eating large meals, as these can make your symptoms worse too.

• El sobrepeso ejerce una presión adicional sobre el estómago y favorece los síntomas del reflujo ácido. Perder algo de peso y seguir una dieta sana y equilibrada puede ayudarte.

• Fumar aumenta la cantidad de ácido producido por el estómago y puede empeorar sus síntomas. Si es fumador, hable con su médico o farmacéutico sobre cómo dejar de fumar.

• Recent studies suggest that there may be a slight increase in the risk of bone fractures when proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are taken for longer than a year. If this affects you, your doctor will check that you are taking enough vitamin D and calcium to reduce this risk.

• Si compra algún medicamento "sin receta", compruebe siempre con un farmacéutico que es seguro tomarlo junto con sus otros medicamentos.

How to store omeprazole

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

How long does omeprazole take to work?

Omeprazole usually starts to work within a few hours, but it can take 1 to 4 days to notice relief from heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or GERD. How long it takes to fully work depends on what the condition is.

Is it safe to take omeprazole during pregnancy?

Omeprazole is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy for the treatment of heartburn or acid reflux. However, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife before taking it to make sure it’s the right option for you and to get the correct dose.

What should be avoided when taking omeprazole?

When taking omeprazole, avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. You should also avoid taking omeprazole with certain medicines, such as antifungals, antivirals, or blood thinners, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking omeprazole?

If you suddenly stop taking omeprazole, your stomach may produce more acid than before, causing your symptoms to return or worsen. This is known as acid rebound and can lead to heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux. You should reduce your dose gradually to prevent symptoms from coming back.