Michael BoveeOmeprazole, otherwise known as Zantac, is often used to treat various symptoms of GERD and other medical conditions caused by excessive stomach acid reflux. It should be taken for a specific period of time on a daily basis for at least 14 days a week for the recommended dose of 2.5 mg/kg.
Omeprazole can also be used in combination with other drugs and procedures like gastric or gastroesophageal reflexology (GERD), antacids, and other medications. The exact drug combinations that should be used may vary from individual to individual based upon individual circumstances. The most common combination of Omeprazole and other drugs is to reduce the frequency of the symptoms experienced while taking them.
Omepr does have its share of side effects, however, these include headaches, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and fatigue. In some cases, the patient may feel light headed, nervous, or depressed while taking Omepr.
The most common side effect associated with Omepr is diarrhea, particularly if the medicine is taken before going to bed. This may last for several days before improving and finally subsiding when the patient goes to sleep at night.
Another possible side effect of Omepr is constipation. The exact cause of this particular symptom is unknown, but it can be treated using other medications like laxatives. A decrease in appetite can also occur if Omepr is taken without a proper diet.
Patients taking Omepr should ensure that they are eating a well balanced diet which is rich in protein and includes low-fat dairy products like yogurt, oat bran, and skimmed milk powder. The food eaten should also be well tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract in order to prevent irritation to the lining of the esophagus and gastric lining.
While taking Omepr, pregnant women should not take it as it has been shown to aggravate the situation of their unborn child. In addition, Omepr should be avoided by people who are allergic to the oat kernel or the oil that comes from the kernels.
Because of Omepr’s potential side effects, people with ulcerative colitis, or colitis that affects the stomach, are especially cautioned against taking Omepr. People with liver or gallbladder disease, people who have high blood pressure, or people who have a history of gallstones should not use Omepr due to the risk of increased cholesterol levels.
When people with diabetes take Omepr, they should not drink alcohol or take other diuretic drugs for a period of time so as to avoid causing damage to the liver. Also, Omepr should not be taken in conjunction with certain medicines that will make the liver function more slowly.
If the doctor suspects that there may be a serious problem with the liver or the pancreas, then Omepr should be stopped immediately. Also, Omepr should never be taken in combination with antibiotics or steroids.
It is important for pregnant women to understand all the risks and side effects associated with Omeprazole before taking it. Women in this situation should not take it unless prescribed by their physician.
People with liver or pancreas disease should not take Omeprazole due to the risk of damaging the lining of the esophagus. The medicines can also damage the intestine.
There is no definite evidence about whether Omeprazole is safe when taken by adults. However, when used properly, the medicines have proven to be effective in preventing hemorrhoids and other types of anal bleeding.
Omeprazole should never be taken in combination with certain medicines that will make the digestive system work even more slowly. These medicines include colchicine and certain anti-septic drugs.
Omeprazole is not recommended for pregnant women since it is known to cause birth defects. Although there are no proven cases about the dangers of Omeprazole in babies, the drug should not be used during pregnancy since its effects on the fetus can be very serious.
If you are pregnant and are thinking about taking Omeprazole, you should talk to your doctor first about the drug before taking it. The doctor can suggest some alternatives that would be less harmful for you and your baby.