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When's the best time to take omeprazole: before or after a meal?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on July 4, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com
  • It is usually best to take Omeprazole 1 hour before meals.
  • When omeprazole is taken with food it reduces the amount of omeprazole that reaches the bloodstream.

Brand specific instructions for omeprazole:

  • Prilosec instructions specify to take it before meals.
  • Zegerid instructions for when swallowing the oral suspension and capsules, is to take it on an empty stomach at least one hour before a meal.
  • When Zegerid oral suspension is taken through a nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube, feeding should be stopped for approximately 3 hours before and 1 hour after Zegerid administration.

Omeprazole is taken to decrease the amount of acid that your stomach makes.

It is used to treat indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and other health problems related to excess acid. Omeprazole is often included in combination therapy with one or two other medications to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

Omeprazole comes in different formulations including:

  • Immediate release capsules
  • Delayed release capsules
  • Delayed release tablets
  • Powder for immediate-release oral suspension
  • Powder for delay-release oral suspension.

Click on the link below for more information on Omeprazole: https://www.drugs.com/omeprazole.html

References

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Pantoprazole vs. omeprazole: What's the difference between them?

Pantoprazole and omeprazole are both medicines from the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The approved uses for pantoprazole and omeprazole differ slightly, but they are all disorders related to too much stomach acid. Continue reading

Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?

Famotidine is usually the first choice to treat occasional heartburn if your symptoms occur less than two times per week. It can be used as needed, provides quick relief (within 15 to 30 minutes), and is usually less expensive than omeprazole. Omeprazole may be an option if your heartburn occurs two or more days per week. Both products are available without a prescription. Continue reading

Can you take an antacid with omeprazole?

You can take an antacid with omeprazole if you are still getting symptoms of indigestion because it can take several days for omeprazole to start working. Take omeprazole as directed (usually taken once daily on an empty stomach), and take antacids as needed to relieve indigestion pain after eating. But tell your doctor if several weeks have gone past and omeprazole does not seem to be working or you are still taking antacids. Continue reading

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