Losec
Generic Name
Omeprazole 40 mg Capsule
Manufacturer
AstraZeneca
Country
Sweden
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| losek 40 mg capsule | ৳ 7.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid, such as ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For severe reflux esophagitis or resistant ulcers: 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. For Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initial 60 mg once daily, adjusted based on individual response, usually up to 120 mg/day (divided doses).
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment needed for elderly patients, but use with caution due to potential decreased hepatic function.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment required in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic_impairment
Dose reduction may be necessary for patients with severe hepatic impairment (e.g., maximum 20 mg/day).
How to Take
Take orally, typically once daily in the morning before food. Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not chew, crush, or open the capsule.
Mechanism of Action
Omeprazole irreversibly binds to and inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) enzyme in gastric parietal cells, thereby blocking the final step of acid secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Acid secretion inhibition begins within 1 hour, with maximum effect within 2 hours. Full acid control achieved after 4 days.
Excretion
Approximately 80% is excreted in urine as metabolites, and the remainder is excreted in feces.
Half life
Plasma half-life is 0.5-1 hour, but the duration of acid suppression is much longer due to irreversible binding to the proton pump.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration. Bioavailability is approximately 30-40% (dose-dependent). Peak plasma concentrations occur within 0.5-3.5 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Metabolites are inactive.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to omeprazole or any other component of the formulation
- Hypersensitivity to other substituted benzimidazoles (e.g., esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole)
- Concomitant use with nelfinavir
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased plasma levels of digoxin.
Warfarin
Increased INR and prothrombin time, monitor carefully.
Tacrolimus
Increased serum concentrations of tacrolimus.
Clopidogrel
Omeprazole may reduce the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel by inhibiting CYP2C19. Consider alternative antiplatelet therapy.
Methotrexate
Increased plasma levels of methotrexate, particularly with high-dose therapy.
Nelfinavir/Atazanavir
Omeprazole decreases plasma concentrations of nelfinavir and atazanavir, leading to reduced antiviral effect. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. Management is symptomatic and supportive, as there is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis is not effective.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Omeprazole is classified as Pregnancy Category C (older system). Current data suggest it is unlikely to cause adverse fetal effects, but it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. It is excreted into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to omeprazole or any other component of the formulation
- Hypersensitivity to other substituted benzimidazoles (e.g., esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole)
- Concomitant use with nelfinavir
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased plasma levels of digoxin.
Warfarin
Increased INR and prothrombin time, monitor carefully.
Tacrolimus
Increased serum concentrations of tacrolimus.
Clopidogrel
Omeprazole may reduce the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel by inhibiting CYP2C19. Consider alternative antiplatelet therapy.
Methotrexate
Increased plasma levels of methotrexate, particularly with high-dose therapy.
Nelfinavir/Atazanavir
Omeprazole decreases plasma concentrations of nelfinavir and atazanavir, leading to reduced antiviral effect. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. Management is symptomatic and supportive, as there is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis is not effective.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Omeprazole is classified as Pregnancy Category C (older system). Current data suggest it is unlikely to cause adverse fetal effects, but it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. It is excreted into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific details usually printed on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of omeprazole for its approved indications, demonstrating its superiority over placebo and H2 receptor antagonists in reducing gastric acid and healing ulcers.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum magnesium levels (especially with prolonged use or concomitant digoxin/diuretics)
- Vitamin B12 levels (for patients on long-term therapy)
- Liver function tests (if hepatic impairment suspected or new symptoms arise)
Doctor Notes
- Confirm diagnosis before initiating PPI therapy, especially to rule out malignancy.
- Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration required to achieve therapeutic goals.
- Monitor for potential drug interactions, particularly with agents metabolized by CYP2C19 or drugs requiring acidic gastric pH for absorption (e.g., iron salts, ketoconazole).
- Counsel patients on lifestyle modifications to complement drug therapy for GERD and ulcer management.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dose without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting.
- Omeprazole may mask symptoms of serious underlying conditions; consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Omeprazole may cause dizziness, visual disturbances, or somnolence in some individuals. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn or indigestion (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours.
- Maintain a healthy weight and elevate the head of your bed if experiencing nighttime reflux.
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