Omega Capsule Uses

Omega capsule is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is primarily used to reduce the production of stomach acid. The following are some common uses and indication of Omega Capsule:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Omega capsule is commonly used to treat GERD, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.
2. Peptic Ulcers: Omega capsule is used to heal and prevent peptic ulcers, which are open sores that can develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. It helps by reducing stomach acid production, allowing the ulcers to heal.
3. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: This rare condition involves the excessive production of stomach acid due to tumors in the pancreas or duodenum. Omega capsule is often used to manage the symptoms and reduce acid production in these cases.
4. Erosive Esophagitis: Omega capsules can help heal and prevent inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus caused by stomach acid exposure.
5. Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Omega capsule is sometimes used as part of combination therapy to help eradicate Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers and certain stomach infections.
6. Preventing Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-Related Ulcers: For individuals who need to take NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) for pain relief but are at risk of developing stomach ulcers due to these medications, Omega capsules can be used to reduce the risk.
7. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: This rare condition involves the excessive production of stomach acid due to tumors in the pancreas or duodenum. Omega capsule is often used to manage the symptoms and reduce acid production in these cases.
8. Preventive Use for Stress Ulcers: In critically ill patients or those undergoing major surgeries, the Omega capsule might be used to prevent stress-related ulcers by reducing stomach acid production.

Off-label Uses of Omega Capsule

1. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): LPR is a condition where stomach acid travels up to the throat, causing symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, and throat clearing. Omega capsules might be used off-label to manage LPR symptoms.
2. Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention: Some healthcare providers might consider using Omega capsules off-label to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in individuals who are at high risk due to conditions that affect their ability to swallow or protect their airways.
3. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Omega capsules might be considered off-label to help manage nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy regimens, as reducing stomach acid production might mitigate these symptoms.
4. Functional Dyspepsia: Functional dyspepsia refers to chronic indigestion without a clear structural or biochemical cause. In some cases, Omega capsules might be used off-label to alleviate symptoms like stomach discomfort and bloating.
5. Achalasia: Achalasia is a disorder that affects the ability of the esophagus to move food into the stomach. Omega capsules might be used off-label to help manage symptoms and reduce the impact of reflux in achalasia patients.
6. Gastric Motility Disorders: Omega capsules might be used off-label in certain cases of gastric motility disorders where reducing stomach acid production could be beneficial for symptom management.
7. Prevention of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in High-Risk Patients: Omega capsules might be considered off-label for preventing upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients or those at high risk due to conditions such as coagulopathy.
8. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Some healthcare providers might consider using Omega capsules off-label as part of the treatment plan for eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus.
9. Gastric Residual Volume Reduction: Omega capsules might be considered off-label to reduce gastric residual volumes in patients who are receiving enteral nutrition via a feeding tube, potentially preventing complications.

Omega is one of the leading brands of Omeperazole, manufactured and marketed by Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

The following are some alternative brands of Omega and their manufacturers.

Risek : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Healer : Pulse Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Teph : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Sante : Macter International (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Zoltar : Pharmevo (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Ruling : High Q Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Losec : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Omezol : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Meprazol : Werrick Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Noctis : Saffron Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Omcap : Platinum Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Omega is available in Capsule and infusion form.

Omega Capsule : 20mg and 40mg strengths.

Omega Infusion : 40mg strength.

Omega is generally well-tolerated and widely used for its intended purposes, but there are certain situations and conditions where its use is contraindicated or should be approached with caution.

1. Allergic Reaction: If you have a known allergy to Omeprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor (PPI), you should avoid using Omega capsule capsules.
2. Severe Liver Impairment: Omega capsule is primarily metabolized in the liver, so individuals with severe liver impairment may have difficulty processing the medication. Dose adjustments might be necessary, and Omega capsules should be used with caution under medical supervision.
3. Long-Term Use: Prolonged use of Omega capsules, especially beyond the recommended duration or without medical supervision, may lead to an increased risk of certain adverse effects, including bone fractures, magnesium deficiency, and Clostridium difficile infection.
4. Certain Medications: Omega capsules can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or leading to adverse effects. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
5. Gastric Malignancy: If there is a possibility of gastric malignancy (cancer), Omega might be used with caution, as it can mask symptoms and delay diagnosis.
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Omega capsule is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when necessary. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using the medication in these situations.
7. Fracture Risk: Long-term and high-dose use of PPIs like Omega capsules may be associated with a slightly increased risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults.
8. Low Magnesium Levels: Prolonged use of Omega capsules, can lead to low magnesium levels in the blood. Individuals with a history of low magnesium levels or those taking medications that can deplete magnesium should use Omega capsules with caution.
9. Clostridium difficile Infection: PPI use has been associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, a potentially severe intestinal infection. This risk should be considered, especially in individuals with a history of C. difficile infections.
10. Children: Omega capsules may be used in children for specific medical conditions, but dosages and precautions will vary based on the child’s age, weight, and medical history.

Omega Capsule Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• For Adults: One Capsule of 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Depending on the response to treatment, the dosage can be adjusted.

Omega Capsule Dose for Peptic Ulcers:

• In Adults for healing peptic ulcers: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
• To prevent recurrence, lower maintenance doses might be prescribed.

Omega Capsule Dose for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

• Starting Dose: 60 mg once daily
• The dosage can be adjusted based on the patient’s response.

Omega Capsule Dose for Helicobacter pylori Eradication:

• 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, depending on the specific regimen.
• Combination therapy often includes Omega along with antibiotics.

Omega capsule works by inhibiting the activity of the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump. It does this by binding irreversibly to the pump’s active site, which is responsible for releasing hydrogen ions (protons) into the stomach. By inhibiting this pump, Omega reduces the secretion of gastric acid into the stomach.