Start your online consultation

2-3 minutes online assessment to check your eligibility for a treatment

Start consultation

Quick summary

Type of medicine

proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It

Generic

Yes

Active Ingredient

Omeprazole​

Effective within

Omeprazole typically begins reducing stomach acid within 1-2 hours after ingestion, with full therapeutic effects usually seen after 2-3 days of regular use.

Works by

It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, helping to relieve discomfort and prevent symptoms from returning.

Side effects

Headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation vomiting and nausea

Medication details

Description

Omeprazole is an effective and trusted solution for treating acid-related issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, helping to relieve discomfort and prevent symptoms from returning. Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which provide long-lasting relief for people suffering from acid-related conditions.

Directions

For best results, take one capsule daily, preferably in the morning. Swallow it whole with a glass of water -do not chew or crush the capsule. You can take Omeprazole with or without food. Treatment length varies depending on your condition. Most people find relief within a few days, but it may take up to four weeks for the full effect.

Ingredients

Each capsule contains 20mg of the active ingredient omeprazole, along with other ingredients such as sugar spheres, sodium laurilsulfate, mannitol, and gelatin. The capsule shell contains permitted colorants, including titanium dioxide and quinoline yellow.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Omeprazole may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. These are usually mild and go away on their own. If you experience severe symptoms, such as an allergic reaction or persistent stomach pain, seek medical advice.

Warnings

Before taking Omeprazole, let your doctor know if you have liver problems, are due for an endoscopy, or are taking other medications that may interact with it, such as warfarin or antifungals. Long-term use may slightly increase the risk of bone fractures, so consult your doctor if you have osteoporosis. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before use.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on Apr 11, 2026, 4:00 pm

How it works

Start a consultation for your condition, select a treatment option, and our in-house clinicians will review and prescribe if suitable. Expect your order within 1-3 working days.

Start Consultation

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can I take omeprazole if I am also on clopidogrel?

Omeprazole can reduce how well clopidogrel (a blood-thinning medicine) works, because both are processed by the same liver enzyme. This combination is best avoided, and a different acid-reducing medicine is usually preferred. Tell our pharmacy team at info@rightangled.com about all your medicines before starting.

Can I open the capsule if I find it hard to swallow?

The capsule can usually be opened and the granules swallowed in a little water or soft, slightly acidic food such as yoghurt. The granules should be swallowed whole and not chewed, as they are designed to release in the gut rather than the stomach. Check your product leaflet for the exact method.

Could omeprazole affect an upcoming endoscopy or stomach test?

Yes. Because it lowers stomach acid, omeprazole can mask symptoms and affect the results of an endoscopy or certain stomach tests. If you have one planned, let the clinician arranging it know you are taking omeprazole.

Why is it best taken before food?

Omeprazole works on the acid-producing pumps in the stomach that become active when you eat. Taking it shortly before a meal, usually in the morning, lets it act on those pumps when they are most active, which gives the best effect.

We are here to help 👋

For assistance, please contact our customer service at info@rightangled.com. We are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. For urgent issues, please do not use this email. Instead, call 111, or dial 999 in case of an emergency.

Didn’t find your answer?

Don't hestitate to contact us