Omeprazole 20 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Acid reflux (GERD) – heartburn and acid regurgitation; Stomach and duodenal ulcers, including those caused by painkillers.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.93 to ₹3.08 per capsule across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole Gastro-resistant Capsules IP 20 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹9.29 | ₹0.93 | 19 October 2026 |
| Omecip 20 | Cipla Ltd | 15 | ₹45.20 | ₹3.01 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lomac 20 | Cipla Ltd | 15 | ₹45.98 | ₹3.07 | 19 October 2026 |
| Omez 20 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 30 | ₹92.42 | ₹3.08 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ocid 20 | Zydus Cadila | 20 | ₹61.69 | ₹3.08 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Acid reflux (GERD) – heartburn and acid regurgitation.
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers, including those caused by painkillers.
- Helicobacter pylori infection, with antibiotics.
- Protecting the stomach during long-term NSAID or steroid use.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other high-acid conditions.
How to take it
Take one 20 mg capsule once a day, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with water. Swallow it whole; do not chew or crush the capsule because the pellets are coated to survive stomach acid. Short courses of 2 to 4 weeks are usual for reflux; your doctor decides if a longer course is needed. Do not use it continuously for months without review.
Side effects
Common
- Headache.
- Nausea, stomach pain, gas.
- Diarrhoea or constipation.
- Dizziness.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe, persistent watery diarrhoea (gut infection).
- Low magnesium after long-term use – cramps, palpitations, fits.
- Severe allergic or skin reactions.
- Long-term use linked with vitamin B12 deficiency, fractures and kidney inflammation; your doctor should review ongoing need.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but alcohol increases acid and reflux. Limit it during treatment.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Omeprazole has been widely used in pregnancy when needed, but antacids may be tried first.
Kidney problems
Usually no dose change; tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
Lower doses may be needed in severe liver disease.
Children
Used in children only under a doctor's direction with weight-based dosing.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two capsules at once.
Interactions
- Clopidogrel – omeprazole reduces its antiplatelet effect; doctors often prefer pantoprazole with clopidogrel.
- Medicines needing acid for absorption – ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron, atazanavir.
- Warfarin – bleeding risk may rise.
- Diazepam, phenytoin – levels may increase.
- Methotrexate – levels may rise with high doses.
- Levothyroxine – absorption may fall over time.
Frequently asked questions
Omez 20 before or after food?
Before food. Take it 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast so it blocks the acid pumps before your first meal.
Can I take Omez 20 daily for a long time?
Only under a doctor's review. Short courses are usual. Long-term omeprazole can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 and may increase fracture risk.
Omez vs Pan 40 – which is better?
Both are proton pump inhibitors and work similarly. Pantoprazole has fewer drug interactions (for example with clopidogrel). Your doctor chooses based on your other medicines and cost.
Can I take Omez 20 with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol worsens acidity and reflux and defeats the purpose. Limit it.
Is Omez safe in pregnancy?
It is used when needed in pregnancy, but discuss with your doctor first; antacids may be tried before a PPI.
Can I open the Omez capsule?
No. The pellets inside are enteric coated. Swallow the capsule whole with water. If you cannot swallow capsules, ask your doctor about alternatives.
How long does Omez take to work?
Some relief within a day, full effect after 2 to 3 days of regular use. It is not an instant antacid.
Does Omez 20 need a prescription?
Yes. Omeprazole is a Schedule H medicine in India and should be sold against a prescription.
Sources
- NHS – Omeprazole (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Omeprazole (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms