Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 03/07/2021
Losec is a type of medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor which reduces excess stomach acid production. It's used to treat conditions like stomach ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
The active substance in Losec is omeprazole, which blocks proton pumps in the lining of the stomach to reduce acid production. This allows stomach ulcers to heal and acid reflux to ease off.
Dose |
Once tablet taken once daily, |
Type of Medicine |
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) |
Mechanism |
Inhibits the final step in the production of stomach acid, reducing the total acid in the body |
Available Size |
28 or 56 tablets |
Available Strengths |
10mg or 20mg |
Active Ingredient |
Omeprazole |
Price |
From 54p per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, itchy or lumpy rash, trouble sleeping, diarrhoea, flatulence |
The active ingredient in Losec is omeprazole.
The inactive ingredients in Losec are cellulose microcrystalline, glycerol monostearate 40-55, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid – ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30 per cent, sugar spheres, synthetic paraffin (NF), macrogol (polyethylene glycol 6000), polysorbate 80, crospovidone, sodium hydroxide (for pH-adjustment), sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, triethyl citrate, iron oxide E172 and titanium dioxide E171.
Please Note: Different generic brands of Losec can contain different inactive ingredients than those listed above. Please check the patient information leaflet required for full details
Losec is usually taken once daily in the morning and can be taken with or without food. The amount you need to take will depend on your condition and symptoms, so always follow the instructions given by your doctor. For indigestion the dose is 10 to 20 mg. For heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers the dose is 20 to 40 mg. If you need to take Losec twice a day, then take one tablet in the morning and the other in the evening.
Common side effects of Losec include:
Rare side effects of Losec may include:
If you experience any of those symptoms then seek medical attention right away.
Avoid eating rich or spicy food if you feel nauseous after taking Losec. Drink frequent sips of water to prevent dehydration. Try to stick to smaller meals. Take your time eating and drinking if you have stomach pain and try to rest. Holding a heating pad or hot water bottle against your tummy can help to soothe the discomfort. Drink plenty of water, eat fibre rich foods and exercise regularly to help relieve constipation. Avoid foods like onions, peas, beans and lentils to prevent wind.
Consult your doctor before taking Losec if:
Losec may interact with the following medicines:
It's always a good idea to tell your doctor about any additional medicines you are taking before being prescribed something new. This is to ensure they will not interact with each other or cause unwanted side effects.
You can take Losec either two hours before or two hours after an over the counter antacid if necessary. Check with your pharmacist to make sure the combination is suitable.
Speak to your doctor before using Losec if you are pregnant or planning a baby.
Losec does not interact with alcohol, but drinking alcohol can cause extra stomach acid production and might make your symptoms worse.
Losec MUPS are dispersible tablets which dissolve in water. These are designed for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets and are suitable for children too. Losec is prescribed as capsules which are swallowed whole.
Omeprazole is the active ingredient in Losec. Losec is a brand name for omeprazole, and omeprazole is the generic name of the medicine. They work in the same way.
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