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Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used in children for GERD and erosive esophagitis. Dosed once daily before meals; short‑term courses are common.
Typical pediatric courses run 4–8 weeks; extend only when objective evidence of ongoing inflammation exists.
Administer on an empty stomach 30–60 minutes before a meal to ensure maximal proton pump binding.
Assess adherence and potential CYP2C19-related variability when response is incomplete; esomeprazole or higher dosing may be considered.
Long-term therapy warrants monitoring for infections (C. difficile), micronutrient deficiencies, and rebound acid hypersecretion when stopping.
Lifestyle measures—weight management, positional therapy, trigger food avoidance—should accompany pharmacotherapy.
Omeprazole reduces gastric acid and is used in children for GERD and erosive esophagitis.
Short‑term therapy improves symptoms and healing in erosive esophagitis; once‑daily dosing is standard.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (symptomatic) | Children and adolescents | Yes | Use for short-term (4–8 weeks) management of heartburn and regurgitation when lifestyle measures are insufficient. |
| Erosive esophagitis healing and maintenance | Infants, children, adolescents | Yes | Label-supported dosing by weight; consider BID dosing for severe disease under GI supervision. |
| Helicobacter pylori eradication (triple therapy) | Children and adolescents | Yes | Combine with two antibiotics per guideline for 10–14 days; confirm eradication with non-serologic testing. |
| Upper GI bleeding prophylaxis in high-risk patients | Hospitalized children | No | Use per critical care protocols; evaluate necessity daily. |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis trial therapy | Children and adolescents | No | High-dose PPI trial (8–12 weeks) may clarify PPI-responsive disease before topical steroids. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
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Omeprazole is usually well tolerated. Mild headache, abdominal discomfort, and loose stools are the most common complaints. Chronic therapy carries additional nutritional and infectious risks that require anticipatory guidance.
Reassess the need for ongoing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy at each visit. Reinforce hydration and nutritional monitoring, and review red-flag symptoms that warrant urgent evaluation.
Diarrhea / loose stools
Common • mild
Abdominal pain / nausea
Common • mild
Headache or dizziness
Common • mild
Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea
Rare • severe
Respiratory infections (upper/lower)
Uncommon • mild
Hypomagnesemia (long-term use)
Rare • moderate
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Uncommon • moderate
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Parent‑friendly guide for pediatric omeprazole dosing.
Measure the oral suspension with a metric syringe. For capsules, open and sprinkle the delayed-release granules on a spoonful of soft, non-acidic food (applesauce, yogurt) and have the child swallow without chewing. Follow with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew granules.
If twice-daily dosing is prescribed (severe esophagitis), give the second dose before the evening meal. Keep a dosing log and set reminders because consistent timing improves healing. Coordinate with pharmacies experienced in compounding buffered suspensions for infants.
Emergency contact: Seek immediate care for severe stomach pain, watery diarrhea with fever, allergic swelling, or signs of low magnesium (tetany, palpitations).
Pair reliable dosing with lifestyle measures—upright feeds, smaller meals, and trigger avoidance—to get the most benefit from omeprazole.
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Omeprazole turns down the stomach’s acid pump so the esophagus can heal.
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High-impact pearls for safe and effective omeprazole use in pediatrics.
Key reminders include meal timing, sprinkle technique, drug interactions, and ongoing need assessment.
Administer omeprazole 30–60 minutes before breakfast (and dinner if twice daily) to ensure proton pumps are active for i…
Open capsules and sprinkle granules on one tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt; swallow without chewing and follow with w…
Review medications metabolized by CYP2C19 (e.g., clopidogrel, diazepam) and pH-dependent drugs (atazanavir, posaconazole…
Set a reassessment date after 6–8 weeks; taper or switch to on-demand therapy when symptoms resolve to limit long-term a…
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Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Omeprazole and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Taking it 30–60 minutes before breakfast allows active proton pumps to bind the drug, giving stronger acid suppression.
Discuss a taper with your clinician. Gradually spacing doses or reducing strength over 1–2 weeks helps avoid rebound acid hypersecretion.
Give it later the same day before a meal. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual schedule—do not double up.