Mepradec 10 mg 20 mg gastro-resistant capsules
Omeprazole
Whats in your medicine?
The name of your medicine is Mepradec 10 mg and 20 mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules, Mepradec 10 mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules are hard gelatin capsules with an opaque beige body, marked “10″, and an opaque beige cap, marked “DP”, containing 10 mg of the active ingredient omeprazole.
Mepradec 20 mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules are hard gelatin capsules with an opaque beige body, marked “20″, and a caramel beige cap, marked “DP”, containing 20 mg of the active ingredient omeprazole,
In addition each capsule also contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, sodium starch glycollate, sodium stearyl fumarate, sodium stearate, hypromellose acetate succinate, Sepisperse AP-3527 (which contains propylene glycol, titanium dioxide (E-171), red and yellow iron oxides (E-172) and hypromellose), talc, Methyl citrate, monoethanolamine, sodium lauryi sulphate, traces of carnauba wax, gelatin, black iron oxide (E-172),
Mepradec 10 mg and 20 mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules are available in packs of 28 capsules in foil blister strips,
What is your medicine for?
Omeprazole is a fype of drug called a proton-pump inhibitor, It reduces the production of acid in your stomach,
Your doctor has prescribed this medicine for:
- Acid from the stomach escaping into the food pipe causing pain, inflammation and heartburn (reflux oesophagitis and oesophageal reflux disease);
- Acid indigestion which can cause stomach pain or discomfort (dyspepsia);
- Ulcers in the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer) or stomach (gastric ulcer);
- To protect your stomach or duodenum from ulcers if you are taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
- Excess acid in the stomach caused by a tumour in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome);
Prevention of damage to the lungs caused by breathing in stomach fluids (acid aspiration), For instance, it may be used before an operation,
Before taking your medlclne-tell your doctor
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Mepradec Gastro-Resistant Capsules,
- If you are pregnant or might be or if you are breastfeeding,
- If you have any liver problems,
- If you are taking any other medicines including those you have bought without a prescription, especially: diazepam (for your nerves), phenytoin (for epilepsy) or warfarin (for thinning of the blood), digoxin (for the heart), or ketoconazole (for fungal infection),
- If you were told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine,
How should you take your medicine
Mepradec Gastro-Resistant Capsules can be taken at any time of the day, Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and when to take them, The strength of capsule you take and the length of time you take them for will depend on what condition you are suffering from and how you respond to the medicine, You can take your capsules with food or on an empty stomach, The capsules should not be chewed or crushed, they should be swallowed whole, with a drink of water or fruit juice, Mepradec Gastro-Resistant Capsules are not suitable for children,
Treatment for heartburn (reflux oesophagitis and oesophageal reflux disease). For adults, the usual dose is omeprazole 20 mg once a day for 4 weeks. To stop your symptoms returning, your doctor may tell you to continue taking your Mepradec 20mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules or reduce the dose to 10 mg,
Relief of acid Indigestion which causes stomach pain or discomfort (dyspepsia). The usual dose is omeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks, If you experience no improvement in the symptoms you are suffering from, you should return to your doctor,
Treatment for stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) and ulcers In the upper part of the Intestine (duodenal ulcer). The usual dose is omeprazole 20 mg once a day for 4-8 weeks, To stop your ulcer coming back, the usual dose is omeprazole 10 mg one a day unless your symptoms return, If your symptoms return, your doctor may increase the dose,
Treatment and prevention of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and associated symptoms caused by NSAIDs. If you have previously had trouble with an ulcer and need to continue taking a NSAID, the only recommended dose is omeprazole 20 mg once a day,
Before an operation which requires a general anaesthetic. The usual dose is 40 mg omeprazole the evening before surgery, and then another 40 mg omeprazole two to six hours before surgery,
Treatment for excess acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Elllson syndrome). The normal starting dose is 60 mg omeprazole once a day, If the dose is more than 80 mg a day, half the dose should be taken in the morning and half at night,
What you should do if you miss a dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose, just take the next dose on time, Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one,
What you should do In case of an overdose
If you take more than the recommended number of capsules, go to your nearest hospital casualty department or contact your doctor at once,
Side effects that might happen while you are taking your medicine
Like all medicines, Mepradec Gastro-Resistant Capsules may sometimes cause side effects, These are usually mild and go away when you stop taking this medicine:
Skin rash, itchy skin, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, feeling or being sick, wind, stomachache, dizziness, feeling faint or pins and needles,
Very rarely you may experience: sensitivity to light, severe allergic skin reactions with skin blistering, swollen lips, swelling or soreness of the mouth and throat, dry mouth, hair loss, sleepiness or difficulty sleeping, sore joints and muscles, blurred vision, swollen limbs, increased sweating, breast enlargement, impotence, blood or taste disorders, high fever, wheezing, feel confused or more sleepy (if you already have severe liver disease) and kidney or liver problems, If you are very ill, you may feel confused, nervous, depressed or hallucinate, It is not known whether these side effects are caused directly by Mepradec gastro-resistant capsules, If you suffer from any of these side effects, or if you get any other unusual or unexpected symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist
Storing your medicine
On the label you will find the letters “exp” followed by some numbers, These numbers are the date when the medicine is no longer fit for use, Do not use this medicine after this date Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it, Keep your medicine in the original blister strip and do not store above 30°C Remember to return any unused capsules to your pharmacist,
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.