Zanprol

How does it work?

Zanprol tablets 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. Acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. However, sometimes this acid can flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. Omeprazole reduces the production of stomach acid and therefore stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe. It can therefore be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. The initial dose is two tablets swallowed whole with plenty of liquid, eg water or fruit juice, once a day before a meal. The medicine should start to provide relief of heartburn symptoms within a day or so of starting treatment, but it may take two to three days of treatment before the symptoms are fully relieved. Once your symptoms are relieved the dose should be reduced to one tablet once a day. If your heartburn is not relieved within two weeks of starting treatment with this medicine you should consult your doctor. If you need to keep taking this medicine continuously for more than four weeks to control your heartburn symptoms you should consult your doctor.

What is it used for?

Reflux symptoms, eg heartburn, in adults aged 18 years and over

Warning!

You should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if any of the following apply to you: you are aged 40 years or older and have new or recently changed indigestion/heartburn symptoms; you have needed to use heartburn/indigestion remedies continuously for 4 or more weeks to control symptoms; you are due to have an endoscopy; you have unintentional weight loss; anaemia; bleeding from the back passage; difficulty or pain swallowing; persistent vomiting or vomiting blood; abdominal pain or swelling; previous stomach ulcer or surgery; jaundice; or any other significant medical condition.

Swallow these tablets whole with water - do not chew, crush or break them.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

If you have not experienced any relief from your symptoms after two weeks of treatment with this medicine you should consult your doctor for medical advice. You should also consult your doctor if you have needed to keep taking this medicine for four weeks or longer to control your symptoms.

People who suffer from long-term, recurrent heartburn or indigestion symptoms should make sure they consult their doctor on a regular basis for check-ups.

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.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

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. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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