Omeprazole
From £12.99
This page answers two related but slightly different questions people often search for: is lansoprazole better than omeprazole, and what are Losec and Losec MUPS compared with generic omeprazole?
The short answer is that neither lansoprazole nor omeprazole is generally better for everyone. Both are well-established proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for similar conditions. The more suitable option can depend on what is being treated, the dose needed, how you respond to treatment, side effects, and other medicines you take.
For adults in the UK looking for clear information about PPIs for acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers or related conditions, this guide compares omeprazole and lansoprazole in practical terms, including doses, uses, side effects, interactions and cost. It also explains where Losec and Losec MUPS fit in, what generic omeprazole means, and why clopidogrel can affect the choice of PPI.
Key things to know
- Losec, Losec MUPS and generic omeprazole contain omeprazole as the active ingredient, although the formulation and inactive ingredients can differ
- Losec MUPS is a gastro-resistant tablet containing many small pellets. MUPS stands for Multiple Unit Pellet System. Generic omeprazole is commonly supplied as a gastro-resistant capsule
- Omeprazole and lansoprazole are different medicines within the same PPI class, with different standard doses. NICE lists 20mg once daily as a standard dose for omeprazole and 30mg once daily for lansoprazole for GORD
- If you take clopidogrel, omeprazole is generally avoided because of a clinically significant interaction. Lansoprazole may be used instead, depending on your circumstances
Is Losec the Same as Omeprazole?
Yes. Losec is a brand of omeprazole. The active ingredient is omeprazole, while generic products are usually supplied under the name omeprazole followed by the manufacturer's name.
The important point is that the brand name and generic name refer to the same active medicine. However, the products can have different inactive ingredients and formulations.
Losec is available in capsule and MUPS tablet formulations in the UK. Losec MUPS contains omeprazole magnesium in a gastro-resistant tablet formulation.
What Is Generic Omeprazole?
Generic omeprazole is omeprazole supplied by a manufacturer under the generic name rather than a brand name.
Authorised generic medicines have to meet UK regulatory requirements, including requirements around the quality and performance of the medicine. Where a generic product is authorised as therapeutically equivalent to a reference product, it is expected to provide the same clinical effect when used appropriately.
The generic product may look different from the branded medicine and can contain different inactive ingredients. This does not mean that it contains a different active medicine.
When people search for an "omeprazole substitute" or "replacement for omeprazole", they may mean a generic version or they may mean a different PPI such as lansoprazole or pantoprazole. These are different medicines within the same class.
Losec MUPS: What Does MUPS Mean, and Is It Dispersible?
MUPS stands for Multiple Unit Pellet System.
Losec MUPS is a gastro-resistant tablet containing many small pellets. Each pellet has a coating that helps protect omeprazole from stomach acid. The tablet can be swallowed whole or, for people who have difficulty swallowing, dispersed according to the product instructions.
For Losec MUPS, the tablet can be broken and dispersed in a spoonful of non-carbonated water. The mixture should be taken immediately or within 30 minutes, and the pellets should not be chewed or crushed. Milk and carbonated water should not be used for dispersing the tablet.
Generic omeprazole is commonly supplied as a gastro-resistant capsule, although other omeprazole formulations are also available. So if the way you take the medicine matters to you, a pharmacist can explain which formulations are available.
Omeprazole vs Lansoprazole: What's the Actual Difference?
Omeprazole and lansoprazole are both proton pump inhibitors. They work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach and are used for conditions such as GORD, acid-related symptoms and stomach ulcers.
They are different medicines, however, so their doses are not interchangeable milligram for milligram.
For GORD, NICE lists a standard dose of 20mg once daily for omeprazole and 30mg once daily for lansoprazole. These figures should not be interpreted as meaning that lansoprazole is simply weaker or that omeprazole is stronger. PPI doses are set according to the medicine, the condition being treated and the evidence supporting that dose.
Both medicines can be effective, but the most suitable choice can depend on your symptoms, medical history, other medicines and how you respond to treatment.
Is Lansoprazole Better Than Omeprazole?
There is no single answer that applies to everyone. Both medicines are commonly used PPIs for conditions such as acid reflux, GORD and stomach ulcers.
Your response can depend on the condition being treated, the dose, how well you tolerate the medicine and whether you take other medicines that could affect the choice of PPI.
For example, people taking clopidogrel are generally advised to avoid omeprazole and esomeprazole because of a clinically significant interaction. In these circumstances, lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole may be considered instead.
For someone who is not taking clopidogrel, there is no simple rule saying that lansoprazole is better than omeprazole or vice versa. The appropriate choice depends on the individual situation.
Which Is Stronger: Omeprazole or Lansoprazole?
This is not something that can be answered simply by comparing the number of milligrams.
NICE lists 20mg once daily as a standard dose of omeprazole and 30mg once daily as a standard dose of lansoprazole for GORD. The different numbers reflect the dosing used for each medicine and should not be treated as a direct measure of which medicine is "stronger".
| Omeprazole | Lansoprazole | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dose for GORD | 20mg once daily | 30mg once daily |
| Drug class | Proton pump inhibitor | Proton pump inhibitor |
| Active ingredient | Omeprazole | Lansoprazole |
| Clopidogrel interaction | Generally avoided | May be used instead, depending on circumstances |
The dose may be different for other conditions. For example, higher doses can be used in some cases of severe oesophagitis or other conditions, so your prescribed dose should always be followed rather than choosing a dose based on a comparison table.
How Omeprazole and Lansoprazole Actually Work
Both medicines belong to the PPI class. They reduce stomach acid by blocking the proton pump in acid-producing cells in the stomach.
They are used for several acid-related conditions, including GORD, reflux symptoms and peptic ulcers. They can also form part of treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) when combined with appropriate antibiotics.
Although they work in a similar way, omeprazole and lansoprazole are different medicines. This is why their doses, formulations and some medicine interactions are different.
The timing can also vary by product. Lansoprazole is generally taken before food, and NHS guidance advises taking it at least 30 minutes before a meal. Follow the instructions supplied with your particular medicine or prescription.
Side Effects: Broadly Similar Between the Two
Omeprazole and lansoprazole have broadly similar types of side effects because they belong to the same medicine class. Common side effects can include headache, stomach or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and wind.
The exact list and frequency can vary between individual products, so it is worth checking the leaflet for the medicine you have been prescribed.
Longer-term PPI treatment can also have some risks that may need monitoring in certain people. These include low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, certain gastrointestinal infections and an increased risk of fractures in some circumstances.
This does not mean that everyone taking a PPI will develop these problems. For people who need long-term treatment, NICE recommends regular review and using the lowest dose needed to control symptoms where appropriate.
Some studies have reported possible links between long-term PPI use and other health conditions. However, an association found in a study does not necessarily mean that the medicine caused the condition, so these findings should not be presented as definite side effects.
Switching Between Omeprazole and Lansoprazole
If your current PPI is not controlling your symptoms or you are having troublesome side effects, a prescriber may consider switching you to another PPI.
However, do not simply swap one medicine for the other using the same number of milligrams. Omeprazole and lansoprazole have different standard doses, and the appropriate dose depends on what is being treated.
Your other medicines also matter. For example, if you take clopidogrel, omeprazole and esomeprazole are generally avoided because they can reduce the activation of clopidogrel. Lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole may be considered instead.
If you are using antacids with lansoprazole, NHS guidance advises taking the antacid at least 2 hours before or after the lansoprazole dose because antacids can reduce how much lansoprazole is absorbed.
If a change is being considered, a pharmacist or GP can help you work out the appropriate dose and timing.
Onset and Duration: Correcting Some Common Claims
You may see claims online that lansoprazole works within "1 to 2 days" while omeprazole takes "2 to 3 days", or that one lasts exactly 24 to 48 hours.
These precise comparisons can be misleading because the response varies between people and depends on the condition being treated.
PPIs do not usually provide instant relief. NHS information says lansoprazole may start to help after 2 to 3 days, although it can take up to 4 weeks to work fully.
The important point is to take your medicine regularly as prescribed rather than judging the two medicines by a specific number of hours.
If your symptoms are not improving after the recommended treatment period, speak to your GP or pharmacist. NICE recommends further assessment when symptoms do not respond as expected to PPI treatment.
The Clopidogrel Interaction: A Genuine Reason to Choose One PPI
If you take clopidogrel, the choice of PPI is particularly important.
NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance recommends avoiding omeprazole and esomeprazole with clopidogrel because they can reduce the amount of active clopidogrel in the body. Lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole can be used instead when a PPI is needed, depending on the person's circumstances.
The NHS also specifically advises that people taking clopidogrel who need medicine for indigestion may be prescribed another PPI, such as lansoprazole.
If you take clopidogrel, do not stop it or change your PPI without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cost Comparison: Losec MUPS, Generic Omeprazole and Lansoprazole
| Product | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | 20mg (standard dose) | From £12.99 |
| Losec MUPS Tablets | 20mg (standard dose) | From £29.99 |
| Lansoprazole Capsules | 15mg (below standard dose) | From £5.99 |
| Lansoprazole Orodispersible Tablets | 15mg | From £8.49 |
The prices above show why it is important to look beyond the headline price when comparing PPIs. The EverydayMeds lansoprazole products listed here are 15mg, while the standard NICE dose for GORD is 30mg once daily. That means the prices are not a direct like-for-like comparison with a 20mg omeprazole product.
In the UK, some omeprazole products are available from pharmacies without a prescription for short-term treatment. The strength, formulation and legal category depend on the specific product.
Lansoprazole is generally supplied as a prescription medicine in the UK.
Prices can change, so check the current price, strength and pack size at checkout before ordering.
If Neither Suits You: Other Alternatives
There are other options if omeprazole or lansoprazole is not suitable or does not provide enough symptom control.
- Pantoprazole, another PPI that may be considered when medicine interactions are a concern
- Esomeprazole, another PPI related to omeprazole
- Rabeprazole, another medicine in the PPI class
- Famotidine, an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid in a different way
The right option depends on why treatment is needed, your other medicines and how you respond to treatment. If symptoms continue despite treatment, it may be more useful to investigate the cause rather than simply switching between medicines. NICE recommends considering an H2 receptor antagonist when a PPI does not provide an adequate response.
Who Should Be Cautious
Treatment suitability depends on your medical history, other health conditions and any medicines you take. The following points are general information rather than a complete list.
- Anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole or another PPI
- People with significant liver problems should discuss PPI treatment with their prescriber, as the dose may need to be considered carefully
- People with ongoing or unexplained symptoms should speak to a healthcare professional rather than continuing to self-treat indefinitely
- People taking clopidogrel should avoid omeprazole unless specifically advised otherwise and should discuss an alternative PPI with a healthcare professional
- People taking a PPI long term may need periodic review, particularly if they have other risk factors for problems such as low magnesium, vitamin B12 deficiency or fractures
- Anyone due to have an H. pylori breath or stool test should tell the healthcare professional they are taking a PPI. NICE recommends a 2-week gap after PPI treatment before these tests because PPIs can affect the result
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 an individual clinical assessment, and your prescriber will determine the appropriate treatment for your circumstances. If you have questions about your own health, medication or symptoms, please speak to a pharmacist, your GP, or another appropriately qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
