Omeprazole + domperidone capsules

What is this medicine?

Omeprazole + domperidone belongs to a group of medicines called gastrointestinal agents used to treat heartburn, indigestion, epigastric pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the intestine and stomach. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterised by the formation of tumours in the upper part of the small intestine, which leads to excess acid production. Omeprazole + domperidone is a combination of two drugs, namely: Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Domperidone (a dopamine antagonist). Omeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid Domperidone works by increasing the movements and contractions of stomach muscle. Together, Omeprazole + domperidone helps in treating acidity.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Inform your doctor if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Omeprazole + domperidone may cause sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Omeprazole + domperidone should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Omeprazole + domperidoneas it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.

Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, mania, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), liver disease, bone fractures, or hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).

How should I use this medicine?

Take Omeprazole + domperidone 30-60minutes prior to food. Swallow Omeprazole + domperidone as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew, or break it. You are advised to take Omeprazole + domperidone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dry mouth, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, and flatulence. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.

What may or may not interact with this medicine? Any cautions?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment.

• Omeprazole + domperidone may interact with painkillers (aspirin), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), statin (atorvastatin), anti-HIV (atazanavir), blood thinner (clopidogrel, warfarin, cilostazol), a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), anti-cancer (erlotinib, methotrexate), anti-depressant (citalopram, escitalopram, duloxetine), anti-anxiety (alprazolam), vitamin (cyanocobalamin), anti-convulsant (phenytoin), gastroprokinetic agent (cisapride), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), immunosuppressant (tacrolimus), anti-tuberculosis (rifampicin).
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Omeprazole + domperidone. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
• Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Omeprazole + domperidone may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone; your doctor will decide whether Omeprazole + domperidone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
• Omeprazole + domperidone may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
• Dose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
• Dose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
• Omeprazole + domperidone should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not take Omeprazole + domperidone if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking nelfinavir (anti-HIV); if you have a gastrointestinal haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or perforation, epilepsy, mania, porphyria, or cardiac impairment. Inform your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you have severe liver or kidney problems; if you are due to have Chromogranin A test; if you experience unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, vomit food or blood, or if you pass black stools. Talk to your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you have osteoporosis as Omeprazole + domperidone may increase the risk of bone fractures on long-term treatment. Consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole + domperidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Omeprazole + domperidone may cause sleepiness, so drive only if you are alert. Omeprazole + domperidone should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Omeprazole + domperidone as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Common side effects

• Stomach pain
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth

Where should I keep my medicine?

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.