Omeprazole Dosage: How Much and How to Take It

If your doctor told you to start omeprazole, you probably want to know how much to take and how to use it without problems. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that lowers stomach acid. Doses vary by condition, age, and whether you’re taking it short- or long-term.

Common doses by condition

For occasional heartburn or mild GERD most adults use 20 mg once daily, usually for 2 to 8 weeks. For more severe acid-related damage, like erosive esophagitis, doctors often start 40 mg once daily. If you’re treating H. pylori infection, a common course is 20 mg twice daily combined with two antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other high-acid conditions, doses can be much higher and are tailored by a specialist — sometimes 60 to 120 mg daily in divided doses.

Kids get lower doses based on age and weight. Infants and young children need dosing guidance from a pediatrician — don’t guess. Older adults usually start with the same doses as younger adults but may need monitoring for side effects.

How to take omeprazole safely

Take omeprazole before a meal — 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast is a good rule. The medicine works best when the stomach is active. If you have delayed‑release capsules, swallow them whole. Don’t crush or chew them. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day; don’t double up the next day.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that controls symptoms. Long-term use may raise the risk of bone fractures, low magnesium, vitamin B12 deficiency, and infections like C. difficile. If you need chronic treatment, your doctor may check magnesium or B12 levels and review bone health.

Watch for interactions. Omeprazole can reduce activation of clopidogrel, so talk to your doctor if you’re on blood thinners. It also changes absorption of drugs that need stomach acid or rely on certain enzymes. Always tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take.

Thinking about stopping omeprazole? Acid rebound can make symptoms worse if you stop suddenly after long use. Many clinicians suggest a gradual dose reduction or switching to on‑demand use or an H2 blocker while you taper.

Small habits often help reduce acid and lower the dose you need. Try eating smaller meals, avoid trigger foods like spicy or fatty dishes, don’t eat within two hours of bedtime, and raise your bed head by 6 to 8 inches. Lose weight if you’re overweight and stop smoking. If you use NSAIDs, talk to your doctor about protection because those drugs raise ulcer risk even with a PPI. Ask your doctor.

When to call your doctor: severe stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, black or bloody stools, or if heartburn doesn’t improve after the prescribed course. For most people, omeprazole is safe and effective when used as directed. If anything feels off, check with your healthcare provider — small adjustments often fix the problem.