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 .
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.
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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 . 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. .
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.
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FAQ: Losec
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Losec different to other treatments for GORD?
Answer:
MUPS is a type of treatment which is unique to Losec. As a result, there aren’t any other treatments for GORD or acid reflux that’ll use this kind of delivery system.
There are other tablets and capsules available for the treatment of GORD that do not use MUPS.
Is Losec similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Losec is a branded medicine that contains the generic medicine omeprazole - a proton pump inhibitor that prevents the cells in your stomach from producing too much acid.
Omeprazole is also available under its own name and is the same as Losec. Being generic makes it cheaper than Losec, but there is no MUPS version, which is proven to be one of the most effective delivery systems for the treatment .
Which dose of Losec should I use?
Answer:
Losec can be taken for a couple of different problems. When taken for GORD or acid reflux, 10mg is usually taken for four to eight weeks (as long as there’s no damage to the food pipe). If there is damage to the food pipe, then 40mg is usually taken until symptoms ease, followed by 10mg.
In some cases, where GORD is severe, our clinician might suggest that you should take Losec indefinitely.
Losec can also be taken to treat a stomach ulcer, and in this case a higher dose is usually taken for a shorter amount of time.
How effective is Losec?
Answer:
Losec is highly effective in treating the symptoms of GORD, and usually starts to work even after a single dose.
It’s suggested that Losec is an effective long-term treatment for GORD. The majority of people who use it for more than 10 years have only one or no instances of returning symptoms .
Do I need a prescription for Losec?
Answer:
Losec capsules and tablet MUPS are only available on prescription. This is so a clinician can decide on the dose you need to take, monitor you as you’re using it, and make sure that it’s safe for you to take.
Why should I buy Losec online with Treated?
Answer:
We’ll help you find the right treatment, and make prescriptions easy for you.
Our experts will discuss your symptoms and medical history, and suggest some treatments.
We’ll be in touch after you’ve started treatment to see how things are going, and make sure your treatment is working well for you.
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Aubert, J., Mulder, C.J., Schrör, K. and Vavricka, S.R. (2015). OMEPRAZOLE MUPS®: AN ADVANCED FORMULATION OFFERING FLEXIBILITY AND PREDICTABILITY FOR SELF MEDICATION. SelfCare Journal.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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