Omeprazole/Losec

Losec (Omeprazole) contains the active ingredient omeprazole, which belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Omeprazole is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers that reduces gastric acid secretion through a highly selective mechanism. As a specific proton pump inhibitor, it acts rapidly to control acid production with just one daily dose. Omeprazole, being a weak base, concentrates in the acidic environment of the parietal cell's intracellular canaliculi. It inhibits the enzyme H⁺/K⁺-ATPase, also known as the proton pump, thereby blocking both basal and stimulated acid secretion, which provides relief from stomach acid issues.

Losec (Omeprazole) is used to treat several conditions, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing pain, inflammation, and a burning sensation.
• Duodenal ulcers: Ulcers located in the upper part of the small intestine.
• Gastric ulcers: Ulcers found in the stomach.
• Helicobacter pylori infections: When ulcers are caused by this bacterium.

Always use Losec (Omeprazole) exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Below are general dosing guidelines for adults:

GERD Symptoms:

• Mild esophageal damage:20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. If needed, increase to 40 mg daily for an additional 8 weeks.
• Healing: 10 mg once daily.
• No esophageal damage: 10 mg once daily.

Duodenal Ulcers:

• 20 mg once daily for 2 weeks. If necessary, extend for another 2 weeks or increase to 40 mg daily for 4 weeks.

Gastric Ulcers:

• 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. If not healed, extend for another 4 weeks or increase to 40 mg daily for 8 weeks.

Prevention of Ulcer Recurrence:

• 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, can be increased to 40 mg once daily.

NSAID-Induced Ulcers:

• 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. For prevention, 20 mg once daily.

Helicobacter pylori Infection:

• 20 mg twice daily for one week, along with two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin).

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

• 60 mg daily, adjusted by your doctor as required.

Use in Children and Adolescents:

GERD Symptoms:

Children over one year old weighing more than 10 kg can take Losec. Dosage is based on body weight.

Helicobacter pylori Infection:

Children over four years old can take Losec, with dosage based on body weight and additional antibiotics prescribed.

How to Take Losec (Omeprazole)

Take Losec capsules in the morning, with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with half a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules, as they contain coated granules that protect the medicine from stomach acid.

Losec (Omeprazole) may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions: Wheezing, swelling of lips/tongue, rash, or difficulty swallowing.
• Skin reactions: Blistering or peeling, potentially indicating Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Liver issues: Yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or fatigue.

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• Headache
• Digestive issues: Diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and gas.
• Nausea or vomiting

Less common effects can include swelling, sleep disorders, dizziness, and skin rash. Rare effects might include blood problems, severe allergic reactions, and liver issues.

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