Standard Dosage for GERD and Heartburn
Adults typically take 20 mg of omeprazole once daily for 4-8 weeks to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn (2+ days per week). For healing erosive esophagitis, the dose is 20 mg daily for up to 4 weeks, extendable to 8 weeks if needed.1
Dosage for Duodenal Ulcers
Take 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks to treat active duodenal ulcers. For maintenance after healing, reduce to 20 mg once daily at bedtime.1
Dosage for Gastric Ulcers and H. pylori Eradication
For active benign gastric ulcers, use 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. In H. pylori combination therapy with antibiotics, take 20 mg twice daily for 10 days.1
Dosage for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Start with 60 mg once daily, adjusting up to 120 mg three times daily based on patient response, often for long-term use.1
Pediatric Dosages
Children 1-16 years: 5 mg once daily for short stature or maintenance; 10 mg for GERD maintenance; 20 mg for acute erosive esophagitis (up to 12 weeks). Weight-based dosing applies: 0.7 mg/kg/day (5 mg cap), up to 2.4 mg/kg/day (20 mg cap).1
Dosage Adjustments and Administration
Adjust for liver impairment (max 10 mg/day initially). Take capsules or tablets 30-60 minutes before a meal, with water; swallow whole, do not crush. Use antacids as needed alongside.1
How long until it works? Relief from heartburn starts within 1-4 days, but full acid control takes up to 4 weeks.1
What if I miss a dose? Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose; skip if so. Do not double up.1
Risks of higher doses or overuse? Long-term use (>1 year) raises risks of fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium, and infections like C. difficile. Use lowest effective dose for shortest time.1
Alternatives if omeprazole fails? Switch to esomeprazole (Nexium) 20-40 mg daily, lansoprazole (Prevacid) 15-30 mg, or pantoprazole (Protonix) 40 mg. H2 blockers like famotidine offer milder options.1