Losec

What is Losec?

Most people suffer from acid reflux at some point in their lives. It’s caused by acid from your stomach travelling into your throat. Symptoms can include heartburn and bad breath. Recurring acid reflux is called Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Losec contains omeprazole, which reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.

Losec is available in two forms: capsules and tablet MUPS (multi unit pellet system). Capsules release the active ingredient in your stomach where it works to limit the amount of acid that’s produced there. MUPS tablets contain the same active ingredient as the capsules, but it’s contained in small pellets that distribute it more evenly throughout your digestive system. This means that it can get to work more quickly to offer relief from the symptoms of GORD ^[1]

How does Losec work?

The lining of your stomach contains cells that carry proton pumps. When you eat, the proton pumps produce acid that breaks down food.

The active ingredient in Losec is omeprazole, which is known as a ‘proton pump inhibitor’. It controls the amount of acid that’s produced by the proton pumps, therefore reducing the symptoms of GORD.

What doses of Losec are there?

There are a range of doses available, but our clinician can advise you on which will be best for you to take.

Losec capsules and MUPS tablets are both available in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg. They should both be swallowed whole with water, but can be dissolved in non-carbonated liquid to help if needed.

How to take Losec

Losec comes in capsules and MUPS tablets.

Instructions: Losec capsules

• Take the capsules in the morning.
• They can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow capsules whole, do not crush or chew the tablets.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule you can open the capsule and dissolve the contents in non-fizzy liquid.

To treat symptoms of GORD, your clinician will usually tell you to:

• Take 10mg per day if your food pipe has not been damaged by stomach acid.
• Take 20mg per day for four to eight weeks if your food pipe has been damaged by acid from your stomach.
• Take a dose of 40mg per day if your food pipe hasn’t healed after eight weeks.
• Take 10mg per day once your food pipe has healed.

Instructions: Losec MUPS

• Take the tablets in the morning.
• They can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole, do not crush or chew the tablets.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule you can gently open the capsule and dissolve the contents in non-fizzy liquid.

To treat symptoms of GORD, your clinician will usually tell you to:

• Take 10mg per day if your food pipe has not been damaged by stomach acid.
• Take 20mg per day for four to eight weeks if your food pipe has been damaged by acid from your stomach.
• Take a dose of 40mg per day if your food pipe has not healed after eight weeks.
• Take 10mg per day once your food pipe has healed.

How long does it take Losec to work?

Losec gets to work very quickly. The active ingredient takes just over an hour to reach the cells in the lining of your stomach. When taken every day it can provide 24 hour relief from heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux and GORD ^[1] The active ingredient is absorbed in your gut 3-6 hours after you take the tablet, allowing it to offer sustained relief. Clinical trials show that eating food before taking Losec doesn’t have any effect on how well or quickly it works. Losec tablet MUPS are likely to work slightly faster than Losec capsules, due to the pellet delivery system that ensures that it’s spread throughout the digestive system. ^[1]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Losec?

If you miss a dose of Losec you should take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s almost time for you to take your next dose don’t take the missed tablet and carry on as before. Never take a double dose of Losec. If you take too much Losec, seek medical advice immediately.