This article describes omeprazole DR’s dosages, its strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for omeprazole DR.
Omeprazole DR is a generic medication. It doesn’t come in a brand-name version. Omeprazole also comes in an over-the-counter (OTC) tablet form called Prilosec OTC, which you take by mouth. But this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about Prilosec OTC, talk with your doctor.
If you want to know more about prescription omeprazole, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Omeprazole DR oral capsules are taken by mouth. (DR means delayed release. The drug is released into your body when the dose reaches your stomach.)
They’re available in the following strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage of omeprazole
This article describes the usual recommended dosages* for omeprazole DR oral capsules.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. Your doctor will prescribe the omeprazole dosage that’s right for you.
Usual recommended omeprazole dosages in adults
The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
Dosage for ulcers and other conditions
The table below shows recommended dosages for ulcers and other conditions in adults.
* For this infection, doctors prescribe omeprazole DR oral capsules in combination with other medications. The dosage and length of treatment depend on the combination of medications prescribed. (Helicobacter pylori bacteria is sometimes called H. pylori.)
† This means conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid.
Dosages of omeprazole in children
The table below shows recommended dosages for certain conditions in children ages 2 to 16 years. The dosages are based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb).
As an example, assume that a child weighing 25 kg has GERD. (This weight is about 55 lb.) The child’s doctor prescribes omeprazole DR oral capsules in a dose of 20 mg. That means the child would take the dose once per day for up to 4 weeks.
Dosage adjustments for omeprazole
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
Missed dose of omeprazole
If you miss a dose of omeprazole DR oral capsules, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for the next dose, take the scheduled dose but skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one.
For tips on how to plan your doses of omeprazole DR oral capsules, read this article. It also provides suggestions on how to avoid missing a dose. You could also try downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm.
How omeprazole is taken
You’ll take omeprazole DR oral capsules by swallowing them, usually once per day. If you have certain conditions, you may need to take them up to three times per day.
Take omeprazole DR oral capsules before meals. Be sure to swallow them whole without crushing or chewing them.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. You also may open the capsules and mix the pellets in applesauce. (This may be easier for a child prescribed the capsules.) Then, swallow the mixture right away without chewing the pellets.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Omeprazole coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for omeprazole when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits
Frequently asked questions
This section answers some commonly asked questions about omeprazole DR oral capsules and dosage.
Is there a recommended omeprazole dosage for dogs?
Some veterinarians prescribe omeprazole DR oral capsules for dogs. If you think your pet has a condition that this drug might treat, ask your veterinarian. They can determine a safe, effective dosage if they feel omeprazole is right for your dog.
Always seek a veterinarian’s advice when giving any medication to animals.
Does omeprazole come as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug? What’s the recommended OTC dose?
Yes, omeprazole comes as an OTC tablet. But the capsule form described in this article is available only by prescription.
The active ingredient in prescription omeprazole DR is equivalent to the OTC form. But they’re not used to treat the same conditions. Prescription omeprazole DR is prescribed for many serious acid-related conditions. The OTC omeprazole tablet is used only to treat occasional heartburn.
The recommended dosage of the OTC tablet is 20 mg, to be taken once per day for 14 days.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the omeprazole OTC drug.
Is omeprazole used long term?
Sometimes omeprazole is used long term, but it depends on the condition it’s treating. Typically, doctors don’t prescribe omeprazole DR oral capsules as a long-term treatment. They’re usually taken for 4 to 12 weeks. But in some cases, you may need to take the drug for a year or longer.
You and your doctor can discuss whether omeprazole is safe and effective for your condition. If you feel it is, you’ll likely take it as long as needed to treat your condition.
Overdose of omeprazole
It’s important that you do not take more omeprazole DR oral capsules than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of omeprazole overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- confusion
- sleepiness
- blurry vision
- racing heartbeat
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- flushing
- headache
- dry mouth
What to do if you take too much omeprazole
If you think you’ve taken too much omeprazole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or, you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use the online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for omeprazole DR oral capsules. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take omeprazole DR oral capsules exactly as your doctor prescribes them.
Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules change if I’m taking other medications with them?
- Will my doctor increase my dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules if they’re not working for my condition?
- If my dosage of omeprazole DR oral capsules changes, will I experience more side effects?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
