Acid reflux can make life very painful. Worries over suffering from its symptoms can make you wary to attend social events like group meals or a night out. If you’re finding meal times painful or you’re being kept up at night because of a burning chest, Pharmacy Planet can help.
We are one of the UK’s most trusted pharmacies and can supply you with medication to help manage and reduce your symptoms. One of our most commonly prescribed medications for acid reflux is Omeprazole Losec tablets. Continue reading to find out how Omeprazole Losec can help you enjoy life again.
What is Acid Reflux?
Also known as heartburn, acid reflux is caused by stomach acid travelling back up into your food pipe (your oesophagus). The acid irritates the lining of your oesophagus and is responsible for the tell-tale burning in your chest. Heartburn can also cause several other symptoms like:
● A sour taste in the mouth
● A sore throat or hoarse voice
● Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
● Persistent hiccups
Acid reflux is a common condition, affecting at least 20-30% of the western world. It’s not unusual for it to happen occasionally, especially as you get older, but for many people it can happen multiple times a week.
Acid Reflux Causes
Your stomach has a valve at its entrance called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. When you eat, the LES should close as soon as food passes through it. However, if this muscle doesn’t fully close, stomach acid can get through and move up your oesophagus.
Heartburn can also be caused by your stomach producing too much stomach acid or by a condition called a hiatal hernia. This type of hernia occurs when your LES and upper stomach move above the muscle separating your stomach from your chest (your diaphragm). This allows for stomach acid to travel up into your oesophagus.
Risk Factors for Acid Reflux
Many cases of acid reflux are caused by certain lifestyle habits. There are also certain circumstances that make someone more likely to experience heartburn.
Common risk factors for heartburn are:
● Being overweight
● Eating a heavy meal
● Lying down or bending over after eating a heavy meal
● Eating close to bedtime
● Being pregnant
● Smoking cigarettes
● Taking ibuprofen or aspirin
● Drinking alcohol, fizzy drinks, and caffeinated drinks
● Eating acidic foods like citrus, tomato, mint, garlic, and onions
● Eating fatty or spicy foods
Avoiding known triggers or practising healthier habits can often greatly reduce how often you experience heartburn and how severe your symptoms are. If these changes don’t help, you may need to take medications to help like Omeprazole and Losec tablets.
Is Omeprazole and Losec the Same?
Omeprazole is a generic medication that is sometimes sold under the brand name Losec. They are the same medication and both have the active ingredient omeprazole. Generic versions of medications are generally the same as the branded versions, but are often much more cost effective.
What is Losec Omeprazole Used For?
Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Proton pumps are enzymes present in the lining of your stomach that help produce the stomach acid you need to digest food.
Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces which can help reduce the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux. Omeprazole Losec can even be used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. You’ll still be able to digest food normally while taking Losec.
When Should Losec Be Taken?
Omeprazole Losec comes in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets. Your prescriber will advise you on how much you should take and when, but the general guide for adults is:
● For indigestion: 10-20mg a day
● For heartburn/acid reflux: 20-40mg a day
● For stomach ulcers: 20-40mg a day
You’ll usually take omeprazole once per day in the morning. You don’t need to take it with food, but it should be taken with a glass of water. Some people have to take it twice per day, with one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening.
Omeprazole Losec is usually prescribed to be used in the short term with most people advised to stop taking it after 14 days. Depending on your condition, your GP or pharmacist may recommend that you take it for a longer period of time. It’s very rare for someone to need to take Omeprazole long-term.
Sometimes it can take several days for the medication to have any noticeable effects. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you can take antacids during this time period to help ease any painful symptoms.
Once you start feeling better you can generally stop taking it, which should be within a few days or a few weeks. At this point you may be able to take it only when you experience symptoms.
What are the Side Effects of Losec?
Not everyone will experience side effects when taking this medication. If there are any side effects, they may go away after a few days once your body adjusts. Any dosage is liable to cause side effects. If they persist, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
The most commonly reported Omeprazole 10mg 20mg Side Effects are:
● Diarrhoea or constipation
● Excessive flatulence
● Abdominal pain
Is Losec Omeprazole Suitable for Babies?
Losec Omeprazole can be prescribed to be used by children and babies if it is deemed beneficial and safe. The only people who shouldn’t take it are those with liver problems, who are due to have an endoscopy, or who have previously had an allergic reaction to omeprazole.
You can buy Omeprazole Losec 10mg and Omeprazole Losec 20mg tablets online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet. To find out more information about Losec Omeprazole 10mg and 20mg uses, Omeprazole Losec price, and whether it’s right for you, visit our website or contact us today. After a short assessment we can have your medication shipped out right to your door.