What is Pyrocalm Control (omeprazole 20mg)

Pyrocalm Control is a branded medication containing the active ingredient omeprazole, commonly used to treat the symptoms of heartburn.

What is omeprazole used for?

Omeprazole is used to treat

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux.
• Also used to treat stomach ulcers.

How does omeprazole work?

Omeprazole works to stop the production of stomach acid produced by a specific enzyme system.

Proton-pump inhibitors - as this family of treatments is known - prevent the acid being produced by blocking the H+K+ATPase enzyme, which is needed for the final step of gastric acid production.

How effective is omeprazole?

Omeprazole is clinically proven to help treat symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux.

In a placebo-controlled study from 2000, researchers found omeprazole 20mg to be significantly more effective at relieving heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than both the placebo and a 10mg version of the medication.

How long does omeprazole take to work?

Omeprazole tends to work quite quickly once you start taking it, and you should start to feel the effects within two to three days.

However, for some patients the medication can take a bit longer to become fully effective, so you could have some symptoms up to four weeks after beginning the medication - but these cases are rare.

How long does Pyrocalm Control (omeprazole 20mg) last?

Pyrocalm Control offers 24-hours of protection against the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux.

How should I take Pyrocalm Control (omeprazole)?

One tablet should be taken every 24 hours on an empty stomach with a glass of water. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes before eating once you’ve taken your daily dose.

Can I use omeprazole?

Omeprazole is generally very well-tolerated by people who take it.

However, if you have had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or any other medication in the past, you should check with your GP before starting the treatment.

In addition, if you have been self-treating with omeprazole, you should not take it longer than two weeks without checking with your GP.

Can I drink alcohol and take omeprazole?

Yes, but only moderately. Alcohol can cause heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux, so drinking it may make the treatment less effective.

Can I take omeprazole while pregnant?

GERD is a very common condition in pregnant women - and while doctors generally try to treat heartburn without medication first, omeprazole is usually safe to take both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

We advise you to consult with your GP to see if this medication is suitable for you.

Can children or babies take omeprazole?

Babies and children who suffer from acid reflux and indigestion can take omeprazole, but must only do so if it has been prescribed by a doctor.

If you have a child who is suffering from heartburn or other symptoms associated with acid reflux and indigestion, see your GP about starting them on a treatment.

What is the difference between omeprazole and Pyrocalm Control?

Medically-speaking, nothing. Because the active ingredient in Pyrocalm Control is omeprazole, it will work in exactly the same way as generic omeprazole tablets will.

The main difference between Pyrocalm Control and generic omeprazole is that Pyrocalm can be bought over the counter at a chemist, whereas generic omeprazole must be prescribed by a doctor for you to use it.

What is the difference between omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole?

All three of these medications belong to the same family - proton-pump inhibitors - and so work in very similar ways.

The key differences are in how fast they work and what dosage a person has to take for relief.

• Lanzoprasole is believed to work somewhat faster than omeprazole at relieving symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.
• Esomeprazole, on the other hand, is thought to be more effective than omeprazole at lower doses.

In reality, however, the differences are negligible and will change from person to person.

What are the side effects of omeprazole?

Most people who take omeprazole don’t experience any side effects. That said, any side effects experienced are usually mild, and will go away after you stop taking the medication.

Common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Wind
• Vomiting

In some cases, patients may experience:

• Dizziness and sleepiness.
• Difficulty to sleep

In uncommon cases, omeprazole can cause:

• Skin rash
• Swelling of your feet and ankles

If you do experience side effects taking omeprazole that bother you or don’t go away, it’s best to contact a pharmacist or your GP.

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View the patient information leaflet for Pyrocalm Control 20mg.