What you need to know about Omeprazole Disintegrating Tablet for Gastritis

What you need to know about Omeprazole Disintegrating Tablet for Gastritis

Many of us have a problem called "gastritis". There are times when we cannot even do our daily tasks properly due to things like heartburn, stomach acid, and heartburn. So, a medicine that doctors often prescribe for this is Omeprazole. But did you know that there are different types of Omeprazole? Today we are going to talk about a special type of Omeprazole, which can be dissolved in the mouth and swallowed without water (Disintegrating Tablet).

Simply put, what is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a type of medication that reduces the activity of the cells that produce stomach acid . These belong to a class of drugs called PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors. To be precise, they put a little brake on something like the acid-producing pump in our stomach. This then controls the production of stomach acid. As a result, you get great relief from conditions like:

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Heartburn caused by acid moving from the stomach into the esophagus (Reflux disease / GERD)
  • Other conditions that cause excessive stomach acid production

The doctor is prescribing this medicine for you to provide relief from all of this.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking omeprazole, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.

  • Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
  • Low blood mineral levels: If a doctor has told you that your body has low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium.
  • Lupus: If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus.
  • Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to Omeprazole, another similar medication, food, or dye.
  • Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or expecting a baby.
  • Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.

Talking to your doctor without hiding this information is very important for your safety as well as the success of the treatment.

How do you use the mouthwash correctly?

This is not like taking a regular pill. There is a special way to do this. Only if you use it exactly this way can you get the full benefit of the medicine.

1. Do not take with water: This is the most important thing. You do not need water to take this pill.

2. Take it on time: Try to take it at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

3. Remove from the packet immediately upon taking: Keep the pill in the sealed packet until you are ready to take it.

4. Handle with dry hands: Your hands should be completely dry before you take out the pill. If you handle it with wet hands, the pill may start to melt.

5. Take out carefully: Open the packet carefully and take out the tablet slowly without breaking it. If the tablet is broken or crushed, do not use it. Throw it away and get a new tablet.

6. Keep it in your mouth and let it dissolve: Keep the tablet in your mouth, on your tongue. It will start to dissolve slowly. Then swallow it with saliva.

7. Do not chew, break, or crush: Do not chew, break, or crush this tablet at any time.

If given to children: In some special cases, doctors prescribe this medicine even for children over 2 years of age. However, you should ask your doctor for special instructions about it.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you've taken more medicine than you think, don't panic. There are two things you should do right away.

  • Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
  • Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

This is a medicine that is prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What other medications may interact with Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

Possible drug interactions with Omeprazole
Drugs that should never be taken with Omeprazole:

Some medications given for HIV such as Atazanavir, Clopidogrel, Nelfinavir, Rilpivirine.

Other drugs that may interact with Omeprazole:
Antifungal Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole
Anticoagulants Warfarin
Medications for mental calmness Diazepam, Citalopram
Medications for epilepsy Carbamazepine, Phenytoin
Other medications Digoxin, Methotrexate, Tacrolimus, Rifampin, St. John's wort, Iron supplements, Vitamin B12

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.

Things to be careful about when taking this medicine

  • It takes a few days to feel relief: The stomach pain does not go away immediately after taking the medicine. It takes a few days to feel relief. If the condition does not improve, or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor.
  • Diarrhea: If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days, do not take over-the-counter medication and call your doctor immediately.
  • Long-term use: Some side effects may occur when this medicine is used for a long time (months, years).
  • Weakened bones: Bones may become weak and increase the risk of bone fractures. Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
  • Stomach polyps: Small growths (polyps) can develop inside the stomach. These are usually not cancerous. However, if you have pain when pressing on your stomach, nausea, or black stools, tell your doctor .
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency: This medication may reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you are taking and get the necessary advice.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Omeprazole can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.

Side Effects
Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:
Allergies Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue.
Kidney damage Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet.
Decreased magnesium levels Muscle pain, unusual weakness, rapid heartbeat, tremors.
Decreased vitamin B12 levels Numbness, pain, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion in the arms and legs.
Skin problems Rashes on the cheeks or hands that worsen with sun exposure. Redness and blistering of the skin.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but are bothersome, should be reported to your doctor :

Headache, gas, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting.

Take-Home Message

  • Omeprazole orodispersible tablets are taken without water, placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Never chew or crush this tablet.
  • Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins).
  • If you use the medicine for a long time, be aware of things like bone weakness and vitamin B12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about that.
  • If you experience any serious side effects such as severe diarrhea, unusual swelling, or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
  • This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours. Always use medicine only as directed by your doctor.

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