Losec® (omeprazole)
Alternative brand (trade) names: Antra, Gastroloc, Mopral, Omepral and Prilosec.
What is Losec® ?
Losec contains the medicine omeprazole, the active ingredient, which belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
What is Losec® used for?
Losec is used to treat diseases that are related to excess acid in the stomach. These include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD (backflow of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus), causing heartburn and oesophagitis (inflammation of the swallowing pipe).
- Stomach ulcers (see peptic ulcers) and acid-related indigestion (dyspepsia), which is discomfort following meals.
- Losec is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat and help to heal ulcers associated with stomach infection by the microscopic bug (bacterium) called Helicobacter pylori.
- It is used to treat a rare illness called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a disease associated with ulcers and severely increased production of acid in the stomach).
How does Losec® work ?
Losec is a type of medicine called a proton-pump inhibitor. It works by blocking cells in the stomach, which have chemical acid-producing systems called proton pumps (protons make acid when dissolved in solution). These control acid production and release it into the stomach chamber. By blocking this system, Losec reduces the production of acid in the stomach.
How is Losec® given ?
Losec is supplied as capsules and as a type of tablet called MUPS, which are easy to swallow and can be dissolved. An injected form is also available.
Country specific information
To consult your local information.
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