Ruling 40mg

Omeprazole capsules are a mainstay in Pakistani gastro OPDs, from Shifa International in Islamabad to gut clinics at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, where docs prescribe them for acid reflux or ulcers that keep patients up at night with heartburn. As a PPI, it shuts down stomach acid pumps, per PMDC guidelines for GERD or H. pylori regimens, often paired with antibiotics in our spicy-food culture. Generics in 20-40mg capsules cost PKR 100-200 per strip—check Servaid or Dawaai.pk—hospital-sourced info, not a self-med fix.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Omeprazole (20mg or 40mg delayed-release pellets).
• Excipients: Enteric coating, mannitol, sodium lauryl sulfate—swallow whole, no opening.

Drug Class

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).

How It Functions

Omeprazole irreversibly blocks H+/K+ ATPase enzymes in parietal cells, slashing acid secretion for up to 24 hours. In Pakistan’s high-helicobacter prevalence, it’s frontline for healing erosions, but long hauls need bone and infection watches.

Common Applications

Local gastro protocols cover:

• GERD or erosive esophagitis.
• Gastric/duodenal ulcers.
• Indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Hypersecretory states or H. pylori combos.

Dosage Form

Delayed-release capsules, once daily before breakfast.

Potential Side Effects

Common: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, cold-like symptoms.

Serious from reports: Low magnesium (muscle cramps), kidney issues (less urine), lupus flares, fractures with chronic use. ER for severe allergy or breathing trouble.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC flags:

• Kidneys: Monitor in impairment; adjust or avoid extremes.
• Long-Term: Bone loss from calcium malabsorption—supplement if needed.
• Lupus: Stop if new joint pain or rash.
• Infections: Raised pneumonia or C. diff risk.
• Pregnancy: Category C—consult; breastfeeding okay in moderation.

Elderly get PPI deprescribing trials; no routine for <8 weeks without cause.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Skip if:

• Hypersensitive to omeprazole or PPIs.
• Severe kidney failure.
• With certain HIV meds or uncontrolled breathing issues.

Drug Interactions

Tell doc:

• Clopidogrel—efficacy drops.
• Digoxin, methotrexate—levels up.
• Diuretics or anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine)—monitor.
• HIV protease inhibitors—avoid combos.

In Case of Overdose

Confusion, drowsiness, fast heartbeat—hospital for supportive, no antidote.

Missed Dose

Take same day if remembered; skip if late, resume next—no doubles.

Storage and Disposal

Cool dry (15-30°C), light-tight, kid-proof. Pharmacy disposal for expired.

Quick Tips

• 30-60 min before food.
• Swallow intact, no crushing.
• Antacids okay but space.

Doctor Review

Gastroenterologists at AKUH or Punjab Institute of Gastroenterology favor omeprazole for GERD where antacids fail, starting 20mg daily in H. pylori triples with clarithro and amox, but push endoscopy for alarms and taper long-term to dodge hypomagnesemia seen in desi diets low on greens.

Laboratory Screening

Periodic:

• Magnesium, B12, renal function.
• Bone density if chronic.

This outlines omeprazole’s acid-control spot in Pakistan—facts for context, doc directs.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using omeprazole to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, reduced urine, or worsening joint pain.