How Long Does Omeprazole Take to Work?

Omeprazole is a widely prescribed medication for treating various stomach and oesophagus conditions, such as indigestion, stomach ulcers, and heartburn. It belongs to the class of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and is often recommended alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to protect the stomach lining. This article delves into how omeprazole works and the time it takes to alleviate symptoms.

How Long Does Omeprazole Take to Work?

We understand that there can be nothing worse than waiting for medication to kick in when you’re suffering or in pain – so what can you expect when taking omeprazole?

You should start feeling the benefits of omeprazole within 2-3 days, and most people find that their symptoms have significantly subsided by 4 weeks. However, if you feel that you are still struggling, speak to your doctor, who may be able to look at an alternative dosage or a completely different treatment entirely.

It's important to take Omeprazole regularly in order for it to be most effective. You should take Omeprazole at the same time every day. If you often forget when to take your medication, set a reminder on your phone or store your medicine somewhere which will remind you to take it.

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How to Take Omeprazole?

There are a number of different ways you can take omeprazole, depending on the condition is it being used to treat. If you are using over-the-counter omeprazole, here is what you need to know:

• Don't take over-the-counter omeprazole for longer than two weeks without first consulting your doctor.
• If you are taking 10mg omeprazole, then it is typical to take just one a day in the morning.
• If you are finding that over-the-counter omeprazole is ineffective, speak to your doctor, who may prescribe a stronger dosage.

Your doctor will decide on the safest dosage of omeprazole for you. However, the following guidelines have been taken from the NHS:

• For the treatment of indigestion, between 10mg-20mg a day is usually sufficient.
• For the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux, 20mg – 40mg is normally recommended.
• Further uses and doses can be found in the patient information leaf

Remember that this is a guideline published by the NHS, and should not be taken as a recommendation. It is important that you never alter your dosage without seeking professional advice from your doctor first.

Always seek your doctor’s advice before changing your omeprazole dosage

If you feel your current dosage of omeprazole is not effective at relieving your symptoms, speak to your doctor. You should never increase or change any medication without first seeking medical advice.

In conclusion, omeprazole typically starts to show its effects within 2-3 days of beginning the medication. Most individuals experience significant relief from their symptoms by the 4-week mark. Consistency is key, so it's crucial to take omeprazole at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness. If you find that your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor for alternative treatment options or dosage adjustments.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 04/09/2019 Reviewed on: 05/06/2025