GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that is used in the management of heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal reflux disease and gastritis. '.

If you think Omeprazole is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication commonly used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. This is helpful if you are experiencing heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion. Some people also take omeprazole for stomach ulcers.

• Stomach acid is required to help you digest food and kill any bacteria that could make you unwell
• A mucous barrier in the stomach stops the acid damaging the lining of the stomach
• In some people, the mucous barrier breaks down and the acid starts to damage the stomach by causing inflammation or an ulcer
• Omeprazole works to stop the stomach from producing too much acid, helping to relieve symptoms
• After discussion with a prescriber, omeprazole can often be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Video: A Guide to Omeprazole

UK Meds have created a video guide to explain what Omeprazole is. Watch it below:

How does Omeprazole work?

Omeprazole belongs to a group of medications called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). It reduces the amount of acid the cells in the lining of the stomach produce. This not only helps to stop ulcers from forming, but can also help the stomach lining to heal if damage has already occurred. 

Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation in the centre of the chest. It is caused by excess acid escaping out of the stomach and into the oesophagus (food pipe). This is known as acid reflux. Acid reflux can also cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth. By reducing the amount of acid produced, omeprazole can help to prevent acid reflux.

How long does Omeprazole take to work?

Most people with acid reflux start to feel better within 2-3 days of taking the medication. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for all symptoms to disappear. If you don't notice any improvement after 2 weeks, consult your doctor. They may suggest an alternative medicine.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Omeprazole patient information leaflet.

How is Omeprazole taken?

Omeprazole Capsules

Omeprazole is most commonly taken as a tablet or a capsule. Occasionally it is taken in a liquid form, or as a tablet that melts in the mouth.

Omeprazole tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or fruit juice. 

When should I take Omeprazole?

You should take Omeprazole once a day, usually first thing in the morning. It doesn't upset the stomach, so you can take it with or without food (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

How long should I take Omeprazole for?

You should take omeprazole for up to two to four weeks - always follow your doctor's instructions (NHS, 2021). Using them for longer can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Are there any natural alternatives to Omeprazole?

If you have too much stomach acid, you can try these lifestyle and diet changes to help without needing medicine:

• Stop smoking
• Avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don't eat at least 3 hours before bedtime
• Avoid foods that make symptoms worse, like spicy and fatty foods

What is the typical dosage of Omeprazole?

Omeprazole 10mg / Omeprazole 20mg / Omeprazole 40mg

According to NHS (2021) The usual dosage of omeprazole for indigestion is 10mg to 20mg every day. If heartburn and acid reflux are already being experienced, the starting dose may need to be higher at around 20mg to 40mg daily. 

Anyone who has a stomach ulcer can typically expect to take 20mg to 40mg of Omeprazole every day.

What are common side effects of Omeprazole?

Many people who take Omeprazole will not notice any side effects. However, there are some common side effects that are likely to settle after a while. These include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and sleepiness
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Farting

More serious side effects include:

• Yellow skin, dark urine (pee), or tiredness which may be caused by liver problems
• Joint pain and skin rashes which could be a sign of a rare condition.

You should call a doctor straight away if you notice these side effects.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Can Omeprazole cause constipation?

Yes, Omeprazole can cause constipation in some people (Hosseini et al, 2015).

Can Omeprazole cause weight gain?

Long-term use of omeprazole has been linked to weight gain, possibly due to increased food intake because of reduced acid reflux and indigestion (Yoshikawa et al, 2009).

What should I do if I experience side effects when taking Omeprazole?

Most side effects go away after stopping omeprazole. If you experience serious side effects or if common side effects persist, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Is it dangerous to take Omeprazole on a long term basis?

Yes. According to NHS (2021), using omeprazole for more than 3 months can lower blood magnesium levels. Taking it for over a year increases the risk of bone fractures, gut infections, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

What warnings does Omeprazole come with?

Omeprazole may not be suitable if you have liver problems or are awaiting an endoscopy (camera test to look inside the stomach). Many women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can take omeprazole, but it is important to discuss your individual circumstances with a prescriber.

During the online consultation with UK Meds, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to check that omeprazole is suitable for you. If prescribed, you can order omeprazole online for home delivery.

Can Omeprazole interact with other medications?

Yes. Omeprazole is not suitable for use with all medications or if you have other underlying medical conditions; these can make it less effective or potentially unsafe. Always tell your doctor which medications (including herbal remedies and supplements), you already take before starting treatment.

Omeprazole can interact with:

• Blood thinners
• Methotrexate
• Anti-epilepsy medicines
• Heart medicines
• HIV medicines
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medicines

Can I get Omeprazole on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Omeprazole on the NHS if your doctor prescribes it for you.

Can I buy Omeprazole over the counter?

Whilst Omeprazole tablets are available to buy over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets, Omeprazole capsules are a prescription only medication (POM).

Can I buy Omeprazole on subscription?

Yes, you can buy Omeprazole on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!

Is it legal to buy Omeprazole online?

Yes, it is legal to purchase Omeprazole online when shopping online with UK Meds. All of the medication we provide is 100% genuine and is dispensed by registered UK pharmacies. For prescription-only medications, you will need to complete our free online consultation form that will be assessed by a GMC registered doctor to ensure that Omeprazole is right for you.

Are there any alternative medications to Omeprazole for the treatment of acid reflux?

Yes, there are alternative treatments for acid reflux. These include:

• Pantoprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Rabeprazole

Your doctor can advise you on the safest and most suitable treatment to suit your individual requirements.

Can I get Omeprazole at Boots?

Omeprazole Boots

At the time of writing, generic Omeprazole is not available at Boots. However, should you wish to purchase Omeprazole, you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one lot of Omeprazole tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds.

If you are interested in a repeat order for Omeprazole you can also benefit from our Omeprazole subscription purchase options.

Can I get Omeprazole at Superdrug?

Omeprazole Superdrug

At the time of writing, generic Omeprazole is available at Superdrug. However, should you wish to purchase Omeprazole at a better price, you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one lot of Omeprazole tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds.

If you are interested in a repeat order for Omeprazole you can also benefit from our Omeprazole subscription purchase options.

Can I get Omeprazole at Tesco?

Omeprazole Tesco

At the time of writing, generic Omeprazole is not available at Tesco. However, should you wish to purchase Omeprazole, you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one lot of Omeprazole tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds.

If you are interested in a repeat order for Omeprazole you can also benefit from our Omeprazole subscription purchase options.

• Medicine for Acid Reflux Treatment
• How to Treat Acid Reflux
• Long Term Omeprazole Use Side Effects
• What can you not take with omeprazole?
• Is there an alternative to omeprazole?