Losec

About Losec

Key Points

• Targets acid reflux symptoms including bloating, heartburn and nausea
• Fast acting acid reflux tablets, relief within 2-3 days
• Branded version of omeprazole

Buy Losec

Buy Losec tablets from Chemist Click, a trusted UK online pharmacy. Choose from Losec 20mg capsules or Losec mups dispersible tablets. Once approved, your medication will be dispatched using our next day delivery service.
 

What is Losec?

Losec 20mg is an acid reflux medication which treats symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. It contains the active ingredient, omeprazole.
 

What is Losec Used For?

• Losec medication works by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces and is used to treat Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. 
• It helps to relieve symptoms of acid reflux such as: 
• Heartburn 
• Sour taste as a result of stomach acid 
• Bloating or feeling sick
   

Losec Dosage Instructions

How Do You Take Losec?

Take one tablet around 30-60 minutes before breakfast. The best time to take Losec is in the morning. You should sit upright when taking the capsule and swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the capsules. They contain coated pellets, which stop the medication from being broken down by the acid in your stomach.
 

What Dose Should I Take?

To treat acid reflux, the recommended dose is 10 mg or 20 mg once a day. Your doctor could increase your dose to 40 mg once a day. You can take Losec long term if you have chronic acid reflux; however, this requires a prescription from your doctor.  

Important note: You should not take Losec for more than 14 days unless this is on the advice of your doctor. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve, consult your GP.
 

How Long Does it Take for Losec to Work?

You should experience relief within 2-3 days after using Losec. However, you should give it around one month to see the full effect of this medication. If you do not experience any relief from symptoms after 1-2 weeks, you should see your doctor.
 

What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of Losec, you should take a tablet as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose, and go back to your regular regimen. Do not take two doses at the same time or an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.

For more information about Losec acid reflux treatment, take a look at the patient information leaflets below: 

• Losec 20mg Patient Information Leaflet
• Losec MUPS 20mg Patient Information Leaflet
   

Losec Side Effects

Serious side effects are possible; however, these are rare. Stop taking Losec and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 

• Wheezing suddenly 
• Swollen lips, tongue and throat or body 
• A rash 
• Fainting or difficulties in swallowing (severe allergic reaction) 
• Red skin with blisters or peeling 
• Severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ‘toxic epidermal necrolysis) 
• Liver problem signs such as yellow skin, dark urine and fatigue 

Common Side Effects (1 in 10 people affected)

• Headache 
• Diarrhoea 
• Stomach pain 
• Constipation 
• Flatulence (gas) 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Benign polyps in the stomach 

Uncommon Side Effects (1 in 100 people affected)

• Swollen feet and ankles 
• Sleeping problems (insomnia) 
• Feeling dizzy 
• Tingling sensations such as “pins and needles” 
• Tiredness 
• Vertigo 
• Changes in blood tests (for the liver) 
• Skin rash, lumpy rash and itchy skin 
• Generally feeling unwell and low energy
   

Losec Warnings

You should report any new and exceptional symptoms and changes. It is likely you’ll be monitored if you are taking Losec for more than a year. Long-term use of Losec can increase your risk of fracture in the hip, wrist or spine. You should tell your doctor if you notice a rash on your skin, as you may need to stop your treatment.
 

When Should I See My Doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• You develop signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, red, swollen, peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, tightness in the chest
• You experience any unwanted side effects
• You have heartburn most days, or you do not feel better after 14 days
• You experience unwanted weight loss
• You have other alarming symptoms such as being sick or food getting stuck in your throat; there is blood in your stool or your stool is black, you have extreme stomach pain
   

Losec and Pregnancy

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or wanting to get pregnant and plan to use Losec. The active ingredient, omeprazole, is safe to take during pregnancy, however treating indigestion with lifestyle changes instead of medicine may be preferable.

Losec and Breastfeeding

Losec’s active ingredient omeprazole is passed through breast milk but is not likely to influence the baby when used in therapeutic doses. If you are breastfeeding your doctor will decide whether you can take Losec.

Losec Interactions

Can I Take Losec with Other Medications?

Losec is an effective remedy for indigestion and is safe to take with most medications. However, if you are taking any of the following, you should consult your doctor first before taking Losec: 

• Atazanavir, ledipasvir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, saquinavir, sofosbuvir, tipranavir, velpatasvir or voxilaprevir, which are antivirals used in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis 
• Bosutinib, ceritinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib or pazopanib, used to treat certain cancers 
• Clopidogrel, dipyridamole or digoxin, used to treat heart conditions 
• Clobazam or phenytoin used to treat epilepsy 
• Citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine or St John’s wort, used in the treatment of depression 
• Itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole, which are used as antifungals Cilostazol 
• Methotrexate 
• Theophylline used to treat asthma 
• Sucralfate used to treat ulcers 
• Tacrolimus, used in transplants
   

Losec Alternatives

Losec vs Nexium

Losec has the active ingredient omeprazole, and Nexium contains the active ingredient esomeprazole. They both belong to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, and both work to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Clinically, there is not much difference between Losec and Nexium.
 

Omeprazole vs Losec

Losec is the branded version of omeprazole. It was one of the original brand names under which omeprazole was marketed when it first became available. Both Losec and omeprazole tablets contain the same active ingredient and work in a similar way.  

Preventions

There are ways in which you can combat symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn, an unpleasant taste and bloating. You could try to adjust your lifestyle including: 

• Cut out foods or drinks that trigger acid reflux 
• Avoid eating close to bedtime 
• Do not wear tight clothes 
• Quit smoking 
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink 
• Don’t stop taking any prescribed medicine without consulting your doctor  
• Try to eat smaller meal portions and more frequently
   

Losec Ingredients

Active ingredient: Omeprazole 

Inactive ingredients: Disodium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, mannitol, methacrylic acid – ethylacrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30 per cent, cellulose microcrystalline, macrogol (polyethylene glycol 400), sodium laurilsulfate, iron oxide E172, titanium dioxide E171, gelatine, printing ink (containing shellac, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide E172), silica colloidal anhydrous and paraffin liquid 

Sources

1. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/omeprazole/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-omeprazole/