High-impact pearls for safe and effective omeprazole use in pediatrics.
Administer omeprazole 30–60 minutes before breakfast (and dinner if twice daily) to ensure proton pumps are active for irreversible binding.
Open capsules and sprinkle granules on one tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt; swallow without chewing and follow with water to prevent tube clogging or loss of enteric coating.
Review medications metabolized by CYP2C19 (e.g., clopidogrel, diazepam) and pH-dependent drugs (atazanavir, posaconazole) to adjust therapy or choose alternative PPIs.
Set a reassessment date after 6–8 weeks; taper or switch to on-demand therapy when symptoms resolve to limit long-term adverse effects.