Omeprazole
A proton pump inhibitor for ulcers, reflux, H. pylori and stomach protection with NSAIDs or steroids.
Common brands in Pakistan: Risek. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Uses
- Peptic ulcer, reflux, gastritis.
- Upper GI bleeding (after endoscopy, high-dose IV).
- H. pylori eradication (with two antibiotics).
- Stomach protection with NSAIDs, steroids or antiplatelets.
Adult dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Reflux or ulcer | 20–40 mg once daily |
| NSAID protection | 20 mg once daily |
| H. pylori | 20 mg twice daily with two antibiotics for 7–14 days |
| Upper GI bleed (after endoscopic treatment) | 80 mg IV, then 8 mg/hour for 72 hours (or 40 mg IV twice daily per local protocol) |
Side effects and cautions
- Headache, diarrhoea; long-term: low magnesium, C. difficile, fractures, B12 deficiency.
- Reduces the effect of clopidogrel (prefer pantoprazole with clopidogrel).
Frequently asked questions
What is the IV omeprazole dose for a bleeding ulcer?
Commonly 80 mg IV bolus then 8 mg per hour for 72 hours after endoscopic treatment, or as per local protocol.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Omeprazole is covered in our textbook chapter Gastrointestinal drugs, with practice MCQs.