Omeprazole

How to order Omeprazole online

Yes, it is completely legal to safely purchase an Omeprazole prescription online through a trusted prescription service like UK Meds. We work alongside fully registered UK partner pharmacies and experienced GMC-registered medical professionals. Simply complete our free digital consultation form. This is assessed by an independent prescriber to ensure the treatment is right for you. If approved, your 100% genuine medication is dispensed and shipped by a GPhC-regulated partner pharmacy, allowing you to safely complete your Omeprazole purchase.

Can I buy Omeprazole on subscription?

Yes, you can easily set up a recurring Omeprazole UK subscription through UK Meds. By getting your medication on a rolling subscription, you can rest assured that your acid reflux treatment will arrive exactly when you need it, whilst also saving money. It's a win-win!

What is the Omeprazole cost?

The total Omeprazole price depends entirely on the dosage strength and the quantity of capsules you require. If you would like to purchase more than one lot of capsules, you can benefit from further savings. You can easily view the exact cost at the very top of this page before beginning your consultation.

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 it, you can do so safely at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to buy more than one lot of Omeprazole tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds. If you are interested in a repeat order, you can also benefit from our 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 it at a better price, you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one lot of tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds. If you are interested in a repeat order, you can also benefit from our subscription 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 it, you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one lot of tablets, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds. If you are interested in a repeat order, you can also benefit from our subscription options.

What is Omeprazole used for?

As a highly effective prescription drug, Omeprazole is commonly used to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. This makes it an essential treatment if you are experiencing heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. Some people also take it 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.
• The medication works to stop the stomach from producing too much acid, helping to relieve symptoms.
• After discussion with a prescriber, it can often be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding^[1].
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Video: A Doctor Explains What Omeprazole Is Used For

In the below video Dr O'Donovan (UK GMC number: 7436647)  provides a quick overview of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI), omeprazole, who is and who isn't suitable for it, how and when to take it, what to do if you miss a dose and the potential side effects.

Is Omeprazole a PPI or an antacid?

It is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), not an antacid. While both treat heartburn, they work differently. Antacids neutralise the existing acid currently sitting in your stomach. In contrast, this prescription medication actively shuts down the tiny "pumps" within your stomach lining to prevent excess acid from being produced in the first place.

How does Omeprazole work?

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, this drug helps 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, how long it takes for Omeprazole to work completely can vary; 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.

What experiences have Omeprazole users had?

Each patient has a unique individual experience when taking the treatment prescribed by their doctor for acid reflux. Read first-hand what other UK Meds customers think about the medication and its impact on their health in our customer reviews above. For further context, there is also a large selection of reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and WebMD.

It is important to note that people will have different experiences when they use the tablets. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right treatment for you, consult your doctor. They can assess your suitability, and if approved, you can judge the medication based on your own experiences.

For more detailed safety information on the prescription medication, patients should always refer to the Omeprazole patient information leaflet^[4].

How to take Omeprazole

Omeprazole Capsules

The medication 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 capsules or tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or fruit juice. Do not chew or crush the capsules.

When should you take Omeprazole?

The best time to take Omeprazole is once a day, usually first thing in the morning. It doesn't upset the stomach, so you can take it with or without food.

Can I take Omeprazole after eating?

Yes, you can take this medication after eating. Because it suppresses acid production rather than neutralising it, it does not typically upset the stomach if taken on an empty stomach or following a meal.

Can you take Gaviscon with Omeprazole?

Yes, you can safely take antacids like Gaviscon alongside your capsules to manage sudden heartburn flare-ups. However, you should leave a gap of at least two hours between taking the two medications so they do not interfere with each other's absorption.

How long should I take Omeprazole for?

You should take the capsules for up to two to four weeks - always follow your doctor's instructions. Using them for longer without a clinical review 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?

Available strengths include 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg.

Important Notes

• Always follow the dosage prescribed by your GP or pharmacist.
• It is usually taken once a day before meals for the best effect.
• Speak to your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking the medication.

After starting the treatment, it can take a week or two to start feeling relief from your symptoms. If you do not notice an improvement, speak to a health professional.

Is 40mg of Omeprazole a high dose?

Yes, 40mg is considered a high dose. It is typically reserved for patients suffering from severe acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or those actively healing stomach ulcers.

What is the maximum dose of Omeprazole in 24 hours?

For standard acid reflux treatment, the maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period is 40mg. In extremely rare cases involving severe medical conditions, a doctor may prescribe up to 120mg daily, but this must be strictly monitored.

How many Omeprazole can I take in a day?

You should only take the exact number of capsules prescribed to you by your doctor. For most patients, this is a single capsule taken once a day.

What are the side effects of Omeprazole?

Many people who take this treatment will not notice any side effects. However, there are some common side effects of Omeprazole 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.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

Most side effects go away after stopping the medication. You should call a doctor straight away if you notice the serious side effects. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Does Omeprazole constipate you?

Many patients ask, does Omeprazole cause constipation? Yes, it can cause constipation in some people. Because the medication alters your stomach acid levels, it can sometimes temporarily slow down your digestion^[2]. It can also occasionally cause diarrhea in others.

Can Omeprazole cause weight gain?

Yes, long-term use has been linked to weight gain. This is possibly due to increased food intake because the reduced acid reflux and indigestion make eating a much more comfortable experience^[3].

Can Omeprazole help with nausea?

Yes, it can help relieve nausea if your nausea is being directly caused by excess stomach acid, severe indigestion, or acid reflux irritating your stomach lining.

I feel terrible coming off Omeprazole, is this normal?

Yes, this is very common and is known medically as "acid rebound". When you stop taking a PPI, your stomach cells can temporarily overproduce acid, making your heartburn feel worse than before. To avoid this, doctors recommend tapering off the medication gradually.

Can Omeprazole cause dementia?

No, current medical consensus and extensive research show no definitive link between PPIs and dementia. While some older observational studies raised early concerns, these have largely been debunked by the wider medical community.

A pharmacist's overview of side effects:

Senior Specialist Pharmacist, Dania Al-Zarrad, provides a simple explanation of the medication's safety profile:

"Can cause headache, diarrhoea and nausea, with long-term use increasing fracture risk and C. Difficile infection; use the lowest effective dose and review regularly."

What warnings does Omeprazole come with?

The medication 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 it, 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 the medication is suitable for you. If prescribed, you can order it online for home delivery.

Omeprazole NHS warning: Is it safe to take long-term?

Yes, but long term use of Omeprazole carries risks if unmonitored. According to the NHS warning^[5], using the medication for more than 3 months can lower your blood magnesium levels. Taking it for over a year significantly increases the risk of bone fractures, gut infections, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

Can it interact with other medications?

Yes. It 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. It can dangerously interact with:

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

Are there alternative medications for acid reflux?

Yes, there are alternative treatments for acid reflux if this medication is not suitable. These include:

• Pantoprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Rabeprazole

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

Is Lansoprazole the same as Omeprazole?

No, they are not exactly the same, though they are very similar. When looking at the difference between Omeprazole and Lansoprazole, both are proton pump inhibitors that treat acid reflux. However, they contain different active chemical ingredients and may be absorbed slightly differently by your body. If one does not work well for you, a doctor may suggest trying the other.

Omeprazole vs Esomeprazole: What is the difference?

When comparing Esomeprazole vs Omeprazole, Esomeprazole is simply a newer, slightly altered chemical version of the original molecule. Because of this slight variation, some clinical studies suggest Esomeprazole may act slightly faster and provide slightly longer-lasting acid suppression for certain patients, though both are highly effective.

Can I get Omeprazole on the NHS?

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

Can you buy Omeprazole over the counter?

Whilst lower-dose tablets are available to buy as an OTC (over the counter) or Omeprazole non prescription medicine at pharmacies and supermarkets, the stronger capsules are a prescription-only medication (POM).

Can you take Omeprazole when pregnant?

Yes, taking Omeprazole in pregnancy is generally considered safe, but it is important to consult your GP or midwife first to ensure the clinical benefits outweigh any minor risks^[1].