Omeprazole
From £12.99
Omeprazole is one of the most widely used medicines in the UK. It is available under the original brand name, Losec, as generic omeprazole from different manufacturers, and under other licensed brand names such as Mepradec. They all contain omeprazole as the active ingredient, but there can still be differences between products that are worth understanding.
This guide compares branded and generic omeprazole available in the UK, explains the difference between capsules and dispersible tablets, and looks at some alternatives if omeprazole is not suitable for you.
Key things to know
- Generic omeprazole and branded omeprazole contain the same active ingredient and strength, and approved products must meet the required UK quality and regulatory standards
- Losec MUPS uses a dispersible tablet formulation, which is different from the gastro resistant capsules used by many generic omeprazole products
- Price is one reason people choose generic omeprazole, as generic products are often less expensive than branded versions
- If omeprazole is not suitable, other options include lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and, for some people, famotidine
What Is Omeprazole, a Proton Pump Inhibitor, and What Is It Used For?
Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach by blocking the proton pumps involved in acid production.
It can be used to treat conditions such as gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), heartburn and stomach or duodenal ulcers. It can also be used alongside antibiotics to help treat Helicobacter pylori infection. Other uses include treating or preventing ulcers linked to non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and treating Zollinger Ellison syndrome, a rare condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid.
Omeprazole Brand Names in the UK and Over the Counter Options
Omeprazole was first launched in 1988 under the brand name Losec and remains a well known branded version. Losec is available in capsule formulations and as Losec MUPS, a dispersible tablet formulation. MUPS stands for Multiple Unit Pellet System.
Mepradec is another licensed UK brand containing omeprazole. There are also many generic products that are labelled simply as omeprazole alongside the manufacturer's name.
In the UK, some 10mg omeprazole products are available from pharmacies without a prescription for short term treatment. Higher strengths and some other uses may require a prescription, depending on the product and your circumstances.
The same active ingredient is sold under different brand names in other countries. For example, Prilosec is a brand name used in the United States. The availability of these products varies between countries, so you should check the specific product supplied by a UK pharmacy.
Omeprazole Tablets vs Capsules: What's the Difference?
Many generic omeprazole products are supplied as gastro resistant capsules. The coating helps protect the medicine from stomach acid so that the active ingredient can be released and absorbed further along the digestive tract.
Losec MUPS uses a different formulation. It is a dispersible tablet containing many small gastro resistant pellets. The tablet can be dispersed in water before it is taken, or swallowed whole when appropriate.
This type of formulation may be useful for people who have difficulty swallowing standard capsules. The choice between a capsule and a dispersible tablet is mainly about the formulation and how you prefer or need to take the medicine. Both are designed to deliver omeprazole while protecting it from stomach acid.
Branded vs Generic: What Actually Differs
Generic omeprazole contains the same active ingredient as the branded medicine and must meet UK regulatory requirements before it can be supplied. Generic products also need to demonstrate bioequivalence to the relevant reference medicine. This means the medicine is expected to behave similarly in the body when used at the same strength and in the appropriate formulation.
What can differ between manufacturers are the inactive ingredients, known as excipients. These can be used to make up, coat or colour a capsule or tablet. For example, some formulations may contain lactose, while others use different ingredients.
These differences do not usually change the intended therapeutic effect, but they can matter if you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to a particular excipient. If you have noticed problems after changing between manufacturers, speak to a pharmacist.
| Branded (Losec / Losec MUPS) | Generic Omeprazole | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Omeprazole | Omeprazole |
| Strength options | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg | Varies by manufacturer |
| Formulation | Standard capsule or MUPS dispersible tablet | Usually a gastro resistant capsule |
| Regulatory standard | Licensed UK medicine | Must meet UK regulatory requirements |
| Typical price position | Usually higher | Often lower |
Why Generic Omeprazole Tends to Cost Less
Generic medicines are usually less expensive because manufacturers do not have to cover the same original research and development costs associated with bringing a new medicine to market.
This can make generic omeprazole a more affordable option, particularly when treatment is needed for a longer period. A lower price does not mean that an approved generic product has lower quality standards. Generic medicines still have to meet the relevant regulatory requirements before they can be supplied.
Your prescriber or pharmacist may recommend a generic medicine where it is suitable, although there can be individual reasons for using a particular formulation or brand.
If Omeprazole Isn't the Right Fit: Alternative Options for Acid Reflux Symptoms
Omeprazole is one of several medicines used to reduce stomach acid. If it is not suitable or does not work well enough for your condition, a prescriber may consider another option.
- Lansoprazole, another PPI available in different formulations, may be considered depending on your condition and other medicines
- Pantoprazole, another PPI that may be suitable for some people, particularly when potential drug interactions need to be considered
- Esomeprazole, a PPI closely related to omeprazole that may be used for conditions where acid suppression is needed
- Rabeprazole, another PPI that works by reducing stomach acid
- Famotidine, an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces acid in a different way from PPIs and may be suitable for some people
Antacids can provide quicker relief from occasional heartburn or indigestion, but they work differently from PPIs and are generally used for short term symptom relief.
Some medicines can also affect which acid reducing treatment is suitable for you. For example, omeprazole and esomeprazole can interact with clopidogrel by reducing its activation in the body. If you take clopidogrel, your prescriber may consider another PPI, such as lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole, depending on your circumstances.
The most suitable alternative depends on why you need treatment, your other medicines and your medical history. Do not switch medicines without checking with a pharmacist or prescriber.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Omeprazole 20mg | From £12.99 |
| Losec MUPS 20mg Tablets | From £29.99 |
| Lansoprazole 15mg Capsules | From £5.99 |
| Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets | From £8.49 |
| Pantoprazole | From £5.99 |
| Rabeprazole | From £19.99 |
| Esomeprazole | From £16.99 |
| Famotidine Tablets | From £8.49 |
Prices shown are EverydayMeds' standard listed prices at the time of writing and may change. Check the current price at checkout before ordering.
How Omeprazole Treatment Typically Works
Omeprazole does not usually provide instant relief. Depending on the condition being treated, it may be taken once or twice a day according to the instructions from your prescriber or the product information.
It is generally taken before a meal. Omeprazole starts reducing acid production after you take it, but it can take several days of regular treatment for the full effect to build up. Some people may notice an improvement in symptoms during the first few days, while others may need longer.
The length of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Some people only need a short course, while others may need longer treatment under medical supervision. Long term PPI treatment should be reviewed regularly to make sure it is still appropriate.
If your symptoms do not improve, become worse or return soon after stopping treatment, speak to a pharmacist or doctor rather than simply continuing to take omeprazole.
Who Should Be Cautious with Omeprazole Side Effects
Treatment suitability depends on your individual circumstances. The following points are general safety information and are not a substitute for an assessment by a healthcare professional.
- Anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or another PPI
- Anyone with significant liver problems, as the dose may need to be considered carefully
- Anyone taking omeprazole for a long period, as prolonged PPI use can be associated with some risks, including low magnesium levels in certain people
- Anyone taking clopidogrel, because omeprazole can reduce the activation and antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel
- Anyone due to have an H. pylori breath test or stool test, as PPIs can affect the accuracy of these tests and may need to be stopped beforehand on medical advice
- Anyone with a history of osteoporosis or other risk factors for fractures, particularly when using a PPI for a long time
Common side effects of omeprazole can include headache, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. Many people do not experience serious problems, but any persistent or concerning symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Long term use of PPIs can be associated with changes in magnesium levels and, in some people, an increased risk of fractures. Your healthcare professional can advise whether monitoring or a review of treatment is needed.
Omeprazole can also affect some medicines and may interfere with certain tests. New symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood or black, tarry stools should not simply be treated with an acid reducing medicine. Seek medical advice promptly if you develop these symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment suitability depends on your individual circumstances, and your prescriber or pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate medicine, strength and treatment length.
If you have questions about your health, medication or symptoms, speak to a pharmacist, GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
