When managing their child’s digestive problems, many parents may encounter the common medication omeprazole. Acid reflux-related disorders like heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are frequently treated with it. Although it is more frequently linked to adult treatment, doctors will occasionally advise it for kids in certain situations.
Giving your child medication, especially one that is typically thought of as a treatment for adults, may cause you as a parent to have reservations. If your doctor has prescribed omeprazole, knowing how it functions, its advantages, and any possible side effects will give you greater confidence in using it.
This post will explain the uses of omeprazole, explain why doctors may prescribe it to kids, and provide you with some advice if your child needs to take it. Before beginning any treatment, it’s crucial to always speak with a healthcare professional. This guide will help you feel informed and ask the right questions.
- Release form and composition
- Principle of action
- Indications
- Is it prescribed to children?
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Instructions for use
- Terms of sale and storage
- Reviews
- Video on the topic
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Release form and composition
Numerous Russian and international businesses manufacture medications known as omeprazole. The manufacturer’s name (e.g., "Omeprazole Zentiva," "Omeprazole-Akrikhin," or "Omeprazole-Richter") may prefix their name, but all of these medications have the same active ingredient. They are offered in regular and enteric-coated capsules, which range in price from 10 to 100 pieces.
Omeprazole is another name for the drug’s active component. One capsule may contain 10 or 20 mg of it. The medication also contains additional ingredients from various manufacturers, such as gelatin, sucrose, hypromellose, magnesium carbonate, and macrogol.
For patients who are allergic to any chemical, it is crucial to make their list clear.
Principle of action
The drug’s mechanism of action indicates that it is a proton pump inhibitor, which means that it can inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid and decrease the activity of gastric juice. Omeprazole’s medicinal effects start to manifest once it reaches the stomach’s acidic environment. The medication enters this part of the digestive system and enters the parietal cells, which release hydrochloric acid.
Omeprazole builds up in these cells and controls the production of pepsin and hydrochloric acid, two substances found in gastric juice. Moreover, the medication treats Helicobacter pylori bactericidally, which aids in the management of stomach ulcers.
The capsules take effect one hour after they are taken and continue to have an effect for up to twenty-four hours. The inhibition of parietal cells increases with dosage.
Indications
- As one of the drugs in the complex therapy of stomach ulcers or ulcerative lesions of the duodenum.
- For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- For gastroesophageal reflux.
- For erosive esophagitis.
- For gastropathy caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- For hypersecretory disorders of the stomach.
- For the prevention of relapses of peptic ulcer disease.
Omeprazole is a drug that is frequently prescribed to children to treat acid reflux and ulcers. It is imperative that parents comprehend the mechanism of action, appropriate dosage, and possible adverse reactions. Even though prescription drugs are usually safe when taken as directed by a physician, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s reaction and seek medical attention if necessary.
Is it prescribed to children?
The majority of manufacturers include an annotation on their omeprazole capsules stating that children should not take this medication. In actuality, however, children with acute upper gastrointestinal tract diseases are typically prescribed Omeprazole by pediatricians and gastroenterologists. In addition, only in very rare circumstances and under a doctor’s supervision are patients younger than 5 years old given the medication.
In children, taking pills without a doctor’s prescription is not appropriate.
Contraindications
Omeprazole capsules should not be taken by individuals who have atrophic gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach with decreased acidity, or intolerance to any of its ingredients. This is the reason such a medication can be harmful and not helpful in treatment if not examined by a gastroenterologist.
Furthermore, the medication is not recommended for kidney failure, gastrointestinal tract infections, stomach tumors, or liver failure.
Side effects
Negative side effects from omeprazole therapy can include headaches, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, lethargy, and skin rashes.
Their appearance ought to prompt a call to the doctor to replace the medication or change the dosage.
Instructions for use
Omeprazole is typically taken just once daily. The capsule should be taken with water, either before breakfast or during the first meal. You shouldn’t chew on it or open it. Because the dosage is determined by factoring in the patient’s body weight, it is customized for each child. Furthermore, it will vary depending on the digestive tract’s pathologies.
Treatment can last several months, depending on the diagnosis and how long it takes.
Terms of sale and storage
Omeprazole is available over-the-counter in a dosage of 10 mg, while capsules containing the medication in a dosage of 20 mg require a prescription. Omeprazole typically has a two- or three-year shelf life. The capsules are stored in a dry location at a temperature not to exceed +25 degrees until they expire.
Selecting a location for the medication storage where kids can’t get to the capsules is also crucial.
Reviews
Omeprazole is described as an efficient treatment for heartburn, stomach pain, and other symptoms associated with stomach ulcers in the majority of reviews. Many parents who gave these capsules to their children with gastrointestinal disorders reported that the medication was well tolerated and worked fast.
One of the medication’s benefits is that it only needs to be taken once daily, and because it is so inexpensive, people frequently choose Omerpazole over Omez, which is more costly.
| Aspect | Details |
| What is Omeprazole? | Omeprazole is a medicine used to reduce stomach acid. It helps treat conditions like acid reflux and heartburn. |
| Is it safe for children? | Omeprazole is sometimes prescribed for children, but only under a doctor’s supervision. It"s important to follow the dosage carefully. |
| How does it work? | It blocks the acid production in the stomach, providing relief from symptoms like heartburn or indigestion. |
| Possible side effects | Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, or headaches. Always consult a doctor if any side effects occur. |
| When to avoid | Avoid using Omeprazole without a doctor’s advice, especially for children with other health issues. |
When used carefully, omeprazole can be a beneficial treatment for children with stomach problems like acid reflux and ulcers. As always, heed the advice of your physician and ensure that the dosage is appropriate for the age and condition of your child.
Even though omeprazole is usually safe, it’s crucial to be aware of any potential side effects. Call your doctor as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as headaches, allergic reactions, or upset stomach.
It’s best to consider the risks and benefits of any medication. Omeprazole can be a useful tool in managing your child’s digestive health when used in conjunction with appropriate medical advice.
