When Is The Best Time To Take Omeprazole For Acid Reflux?
Omeprazole
Omeprazole is the generic version of Losec tablets. It treats acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Omeprazole helps ease symptoms such as feeling bloated or full, frequent burping, or a burning sensation in the chest.
- Effective acid reflux and heartburn treatment
- 10mg & 20mg tablets available
- Effective within 1 hour
- Provides up to 72 hours of relief
- Next-day delivery in the UK
- Free online consultation is available
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What is Omeprazole?
| Medicine Type | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces the amount of acid being made in the stomach, providing relief from symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. |
| Active Ingredient | Omeprazole |
| Effective Within | 1 hour |
| Pack Size | 28-56 tablets |
| Strength | 10 mg & 20 mg |
Overview
What is Omeprazole and How Does it Work?
Omeprazole (the generic version of Losec) is one of the most frequently prescribed acid reflux medicines in the UK. It is an effective and safe treatment for acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn. It reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes, helping to relieve symptoms of acid reflux for up to 72 hours. Omeprazole can also be taken to treat and prevent stomach ulcers.
You can buy Omeprazole 10mg or 20mg tablets online at the Online Pharmacy after completing a free online assessment, and then a quick and free online consultation with a registered pharmacist.
- Suitable for ages: 18 years +
- Maximum per order: 28-56 tablets
- Consultation required: Yes
How Long Does Omeprazole Last For?
Once you have taken a dose of Omeprazole, its therapeutic effects can last for up to 72 hours.
Can You Buy Omeprazole Over the Counter?
No. Omeprazole is only available to purchase with a prescription. You can get a prescription after a quick, free online consultation with a Cloud Pharmacy pharmacist.
Omeprazole Medication Alternatives
Not all medications are suitable for everyone, as we are all different. It is important to know about the different alternatives available to help treat your symptoms caused by acid reflux and heartburn. During your online consultation with a Cloud Pharmacy pharmacist, they may recommend:
- Losec MUPS: Losec contains the active ingredient Omeprazole and is available as a multiple-unit pellet system (MUPs)
- Losec: The brand name of Omeprazole, and it is available in half and full strength of Omeprazole.
- Esomeprazole: The generic of the brand name Nexium, effective for treating stomach and oesophagus problems
- Lansoprazole: A proton pump inhibitor that works to treat indigestion and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid production
- Nexium: The brand name of Esomeprazole, and it works to reduce the production of stomach acid.
- Pantoprazole: Belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), and works by preventing specific cells in the stomach lining from making acid
- Famotidine: Includes the active ingredient famotidine and works to provide relief from symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn
Omeprazole Over the Counter Alternatives
Over-the-counter alternatives to Omeprazole in the UK include:
- Gaviscon Double Action Tablets: Gaviscon is one of the leading treatments for acid reflux in the UK. It is an antacid that provides fast-acting relief for symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux
- Pepto-Bismol: The main ingredient is Bismuth subsalicylate, and this medication is used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhoea
- Alka-Seltzer: Effervescent tablets contain the active ingredient Aspirin. They offer fast and effective relief from indigestion, mild pain, and heartburn
- Rennie Deflatine: A non-prescription simethicone-based treatment that provides effective relief of bloating, trapped wind, indigestion, and heartburn
Informational Sources
If you would like to know more about Omeprazole tablets or about acid reflux in general, we have compiled a list of additional resources below for you to read:
Omeprazole Customer Reviews
Reviews for Omeprazole are mixed, with patients saying that this medicine is only suitable for short-term treatment of acid reflux. Patients who were given Omeprazole for long-term use reported uncomfortable side effects that persisted.
Directions
Omeprazole Dosage & Directions of Use
Omeprazole Dosage Options
- Omeprazole is available in two doses: 10mg and 20mg
- The general starting dose is 10mg of Omeprazole
- 20mg is typically prescribed to treat ulcers in the stomach or in the upper part of the intestine
Usage Instructions for Omeprazole
- It is recommended to take Omeprazole tablets in the morning
- Omeprazole can be on an empty stomach or after food
- Swallow the tablets whole with some water. Do not chew or crush them as this breaks the coating on the tablet that prevents the medicine from being broken down by your stomach acid
- If you forget to take a dose of Omeprazole, take it as soon as you remember it, however, if it is close to the time you need to take your next dose, skip the first dose to avoid taking a double dose
Ingredients
Omeprazole Ingredients
Ingredients in Omeprazole tablets include:
Active Ingredient
- 10mg tablet: 10mg Omeprazole
- 20mg tablet: 20mg Omeprazole
Other Ingredients
- Omerpazole capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: Sugar spheres, sodium lauryl sulphate, disodium phosphate, mannitol, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 6000, talc, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide, eudragit L30-D55 (poly(methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate)), gelatin, quinolone yellow (E104), titanium dioxide (E171).
Side Effects
Omeprazole Side Effects
All medications can cause side effects, not that everyone may experience them. However, if you do experience any side effects, they may include:
Common Side Effects of Omeprazole
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Wind (flatulence)
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you experience persistent common side effects when taking Omeprazole.
Less Common Side Effects of Omeprazole
- Skin rash and irritation
- Insomnia
- Swelling of the ankles and feet
- Vertigo
- General feelings of low energy or sickness
Less common side effects of Omeprazole affect up to 1 in 100 people. If you are worried about any of these side effects, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Seek emergency medical attention or call 999 if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or severe side effects.
To see all the reported side effects of Omeprazole, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.
Warnings
Omeprazole Warnings
Before taking Omeprazole tablets, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to Omeprazole or any of the ingredients in Omeprazole tablets
- If you are taking any medications that contain Nelfinavir
- If you are allergic to any medications containing other proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, or rabeprazole
Omeprazole tablets may hide the symptoms of other conditions. Thus, it is important to see your doctor immediately if you:
- Have suddenly lost weight
- Notice any blood in your stool or vomit
- Experience any stomach pain or indigestion
- Have liver problems
- Have any trouble swallowing
Omeprazole Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor if you are taking any or have taken any of the following medications:
- HIV medications
- Some Antifungal medications
- Blood thinners such as vitamin K blockers or warfarin
- Clopidogrel
- Epilepsy medication
- Digoxin
- St John’s wort
- Methotrexate
- Rifampicin
- Some antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin)
Patient Information Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet:
Reviews
Omeprazole Reviews
Review Date1 August 2025
Next Review1 August 2027
Published on13 April 2021
Last Update1 August 2025
Omeprazole FAQs
Medically reviewed on August 1st, 2025
How does Omeprazole work?
Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. As heartburn and reflux is often caused by excess acid, this helps control the symptoms that people feel.
How long should I take Omeprazole for?
Without seeing a GP for a check-up, Omeprazole should only be taken for 4-5 days to help control acid reflux. If your symptoms persist, this may be indicative of a more serious condition, and you should see your GP for a full checkup.
What time should I take Omeprazole?
Omeprazole should be taken in the morning roughly 30 minutes prior to breakfast.
Can you take an Antacid with Omeprazole?
No, Omeprazole should be taken approximately 30 minutes to an hour before antacids.
How long does it take for Omeprazole to work?
Omeprazole should work quickly for heartburn although this varies between patients. Some people find symptoms improve after the first dose although it can take up to 4 weeks for the full effect to be seen. If symptoms have not improved after 5 days of taking omeprazole, talk to your doctor/GP
How do I take Omeprazole?
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. The capsule should not be crushed or chewed.
Omeprazole is usually prescribed as a once-daily dose, taken in the morning. Sometimes a twice-daily dose is prescribed. In this case, doses should be taken 12 hours apart (morning and night).
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If this happens, skip the missed dose and take the remaining capsules as normal. A double dose should not be taken.
Can I take Omeprazole with other heartburn medication?
Antacids like Gaviscon can be used with omeprazole but should be taken at least 2 hours after omeprazole. If you find you need to use an antacid often while taking omeprazole, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Apart from antacids, do not take other heartburn medication with omeprazole.
What is Omeprazole used to Treat?t
Omeprazole is used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What are the main side effects of Omeprazole?
Common side effects of Omeprazole include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, constipation, and flatulence (passing wind).
Is Omeprazole OK to take every day?
Omeprazole is safe for use for a short period of time (14 days). It is not recommended to be taken long-term unless prescribed by your doctor, as it can cause side effects.
Does Omeprazole make you sleepy?
Yes. Omeprazole can make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or get blurred vision. If this medication does make you sleepy, avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you feel bette
Can I buy Omeprazole 20mg over the counter in the UK?
No. Omeprazole 20mg is only available for purchase in the UK with a prescription.
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| 10mg | 28 | £8.49 |
| 10mg | 56 | £15.99 |
| 20mg | 28 | £12.99 |
| 20mg | 56 | £19.99 |
