INN monograph
Omeprazole
Proton Pump Inhibitor [EPC] · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; WHO EML / PPI SmPC consensus (batch 1); Professional class pharmacology (Proton pump inhibitor (PPI))
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to PPIs.
- Caution with rilpivirine and some antivirals (gastric pH).
Precautions
- Warnings Allergy alert: do not use if you are allergic to omeprazole omeprazole may cause severe skin reactions.
- Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.
- Do not use if you have: trouble or pain swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or bloody or black stools heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating or dizziness chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath
- sweating
- pain spreading to arms, neck or shoulders
- or lightheadednes frequent chest pain These may be signs of a serious condition.
- See your doctor.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have : had heartburn over 3 months.
- This may be a sign of a more serious condition. frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn unexplained weight loss nausea or vomiting stomach pain Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug.
- Acid reducers may interact with certain prescription drugs.
- Stop use and ask doctor if: your heartburn continues or worsens you need to take this product for more than 14 days you need to take more than 1 course of treatment every 4 months you get diarrhea you develop a rash or joint pain If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Directions for adults 18 years of age and older this product is to be used once a day (every 24 hours), every day for 14 days it may take 1 to 4 days for full effect; some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours 14-Day Course of Treatment swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water before eating in the morning take every day for 14 days do not take more than 1 tablet a day do not use for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor swallow whole. Do not chew or crush tablets Repeated 14-Day Courses (if needed) you may repeat a 14-day course every 4 months do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor children under 18 years of age: ask a doctor. Heartburn in children may sometimes be caused by a serious condition.
Paediatric
Weight-based (e.g. ~0.7–3.3 mg/kg/day depending on indication) — paediatric formulary.
Renal
No routine adjustment.
- CrCl 0–120: No renal adjustment; hepatic impairment may need dose cap.
Hepatic
Severe hepatic impairment: consider max 20 mg daily.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Omeprazole is a racemate that can exist in equal amounts of both the S and R enantiomers.
- S enantiomer is more potent than R enantiomer.
- The two enantiomers are converted to a chiral product that reacts with a cysteine group in H+/K+ ATPase.
- Esomeprazole is the S-enantiomer in the pure form.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Candidiasis, GI disturbances, skin rashes, photosensitivity, stomatitis blood dyscrasia, hypersensitivity, CNS effects, paraesthesia, malaise, alopecia, muscle weakness, myalgia, peripheral oedema, gynaecomatia, hepatitis.
Use
Indications
- Use(s) treats frequent heartburn (occurs 2 or more days a week) not intended for immediate relief of heartburn
- this drug may take 1 to 4 days for full effect Clinical selection for Omeprazole should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Proton Pump Inhibitor [EPC].
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Inhibits H+/K+-ATPase in parietal cells, blocking final step of acid production.
Full mechanism text
Inhibits H+/K+-ATPase in parietal cells, blocking final step of acid production. PPIs irreversibly inhibit the gastric H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) in parietal cells, suppressing basal and stimulated acid secretion — the most potent pharmacological acid suppression.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 1–2 hours; full acid control over days |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 24–72 h pharmacodynamic effect |
| Route | ORAL / IV |
| Metabolism | (polymorphisms affect levels). Short plasma |
| Half-life | but prolonged pharmacodynamic effect. |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMEPRAZOLE | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 40MG INJ (OMEGUT) | 53.75 |
| RISEK | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 20MG 14*S | 265.82 |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Often used when indicated; omeprazole has substantial human data — still risk–benefit.
Lactation
Generally considered acceptable; infant exposure low.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food timing Best taken 30–60 minutes before a meal for maximal effect on activated pumps.
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; WHO EML / PPI SmPC consensus (batch 1); Professional class pharmacology (Proton pump inhibitor (PPI))
Clinical review date not recorded.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.