Health Centres - Losec
How does it work?
Losec capsules and Losec MUPS tablets (MUPS = Multiple Unit Pellet System) contain the active ingredient omeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. (NB. Omeprazole is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Omeprazole acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.
Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Omeprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid.
Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach) are protected by a layer that resists acid attack. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer.
Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the production of stomach acid omeprazole can be used to treat all these and other conditions.
It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum omeprazole also allows peptic ulcers to heal, and prevents them from recurring. It also relieves the symptoms of indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
Omeprazole can be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac. In addition it can relieve side effects such as indigestion that can be associated with these medicines.
Omeprazole is also given together with antibiotics to help eradicate bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach. These bacteria can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Omeprazole helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria.
Omeprazole is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.
What is it used for?
- Indigestion symptoms related to excess stomach acid
- Peptic ulcer
- Eradicating bacteria in the gut
- Prevention, treatment and relief of symptoms of peptic ulcers or erosions associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
- Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) whilst under general anaesthetic
Warning!
- Omeprazole is broken down by stomach acid. For this reason, Losec capsules contain the omeprazole in granules that have a special enteric coat to protect the omeprazole from the acid. This allows the omeprazole to pass through the stomach into the intestine where it is absorbed. Losec MUPS tablets contain pellets of omeprazole with a similar protective coat. Losec capsules and MUPS tablets must not be chewed, broken or crushed, as this would destroy the special coat, allowing the omeprazole to be broken down in the stomach and making it ineffective.
- People who have difficulty swallowing Losec capsules whole can open the capsules. The contents can either be swallowed directly with half a glass of water, or be suspended in 10 ml of non-carbonated water, apple juice, orange juice or pineapple juice, or in apple sauce or yoghurt and swallowed after gentle mixing. This mixture should be taken immediately or within 30 minutes. Stir just before drinking and rinse it down with half a glass of water. Alternatively the actual capsules may be sucked and then swallowed with half a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the contents of the capsules.
- People who have difficulty swallowing Losec MUPS tablets can disperse the tablets in 10 ml of non-carbonated water and then gently mix this in a small amount of apple, orange or pineapple juice, or in apple sauce or yoghurt. Do not use milk or carbonated water. The dispersion should be taken immediately or within 30 minutes. Stir the dispersion just before drinking and rinse it down with half a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
- Treatment with this medicine may lead to a slightly increased risk of stomach infections such as salmonella, due to the decreased acidity in the stomach.
- Stomach cancer can have similar symptoms to stomach ulcers, and these symptoms can be relieved by omeprazole. For this reason, if it is suspected that you have a stomach ulcer, your doctor should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. Otherwise, this medicine could mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition. This is particularly important if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms.
- Severely ill children who are receiving long-term treatment with this medicine should have their blood levels of vitamin B12 monitored.
Use with caution in
- Decreased liver function
Not to be used in
- Allergy to any of the active ingredients
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- The manufacturer of this medicine states that data from epidemiological studies do not suggest that this medicine has any adverse effect when taken during pregnancy on the health of a developing baby or newborn infant. The manufacturer states that this medicine can be used during pregnancy. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- The manufacturer of this medicine states that this medicine does pass into breast milk, but that when taken at normal doses it is unlikely to have any harmful effects on a nursing infant. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Headache
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness (somnolence)
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)
- Alteration in results of liver function tests
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Disturbances in the components of the blood
- Impotence
- Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men (gynaecomastia)
- Liver disorders
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
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