# Omeprazole in Nigeria

Omeprazole has 69 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 57 registration holders; 125 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/omeprazole/
- Drug class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (Digestive Health)
- Also known as: Losec, Omep
- Prescription required: no
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Omeprazole tablets sell for about ₦182 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦1,200–₦4,375; Omeshal, Getzome, Meprasil) at three online pharmacies. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is one of the most commonly used medications in Nigeria, widely known as "the ulcer drug." Walk into virtually any pharmacy or patent medicine store across the country — from Ikeja to Kano, Enugu to Port Harcourt — and you will find omeprazole on the shelf. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This makes it highly effective for treating peptic ulcers, acid reflux, and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. In Nigeria, where the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease is high, omeprazole has become a household name.

Omeprazole works by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme system (the proton pump) in the stomach lining, which is the final step in acid production. By shutting down these acid pumps, omeprazole dramatically reduces stomach acid secretion, allowing ulcers to heal and preventing new ones from forming. It is a key component of the triple therapy regimen used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers in Nigeria. The triple therapy typically combines omeprazole with two antibiotics — amoxicillin and either metronidazole or clarithromycin — and is widely prescribed across the country.

Omeprazole is available in Nigeria under several brand names including Losec (the original brand by AstraZeneca), Risek, and Omez, alongside generic omeprazole from a number of manufacturers. All legitimate brands must carry a NAFDAC registration number. While omeprazole is available over the counter in most Nigerian pharmacies, it is important to understand that self-medicating for persistent stomach pain without proper diagnosis can mask serious conditions including stomach cancer. If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks, you should see a doctor for proper evaluation.

## What is Omeprazole used for?

- Treatment of stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers — the most common reason Nigerians take omeprazole
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn
- H. pylori eradication as part of triple therapy (omeprazole + amoxicillin + metronidazole or clarithromycin)
- Prevention of stomach ulcers caused by regular use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production
- Relief of symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion) and epigastric pain

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: For peptic ulcer: 20mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. For GERD: 20mg once daily for 4 weeks, may be increased to 40mg if needed. For H. pylori triple therapy: 20mg twice daily for 7 to 14 days alongside antibiotics. For NSAID-associated ulcer prevention: 20mg once daily. Take the capsule 30 minutes before a meal, preferably in the morning before breakfast.
- Children: Omeprazole is generally used in children over 1 year of age under medical supervision. Dosing is weight-based: children weighing 10-20kg may take 10mg once daily, while those over 20kg may take 20mg once daily. Always consult a paediatrician before giving omeprazole to a child.
- Elderly: Standard adult doses are generally appropriate for elderly patients. However, elderly individuals with liver impairment may require lower doses. A maximum daily dose of 20mg is recommended for those with severe liver problems.

Omeprazole capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water — do not crush, chew, or open the capsules, as the granules inside are specially coated to resist stomach acid. Take it 30 minutes before meals for maximum effectiveness. If you are on triple therapy for H. pylori, complete the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better. Do not take omeprazole continuously for more than 8 weeks without medical review.

## Side effects

Common: Headache — one of the most frequently reported side effects; Diarrhoea or constipation; Nausea, stomach pain, or flatulence (gas); Dizziness.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use (more than 3 years), which can cause tiredness and numbness; Increased risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine) with long-term, high-dose use; Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent, watery diarrhoea that requires medical attention; Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesaemia) with prolonged use, which can cause muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat; Severe allergic reactions including skin rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing — rare but seek emergency care.

When to see a doctor: See a doctor if you experience persistent diarrhoea, severe stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or black tarry stools while taking omeprazole. These could indicate a more serious condition that needs investigation. Also consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of treatment, or if you have been taking omeprazole for more than 8 weeks without medical supervision.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do not take if you have a known allergy to omeprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor (such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, or pantoprazole); Do not take with the HIV medication rilpivirine (Edurant) or nelfinavir, as omeprazole significantly reduces their effectiveness; Exercise caution if you have severe liver disease — a reduced dose may be necessary.

Interactions: Clopidogrel (Plavix) — omeprazole reduces the effectiveness of this blood-thinning medication; your doctor may switch you to a different PPI; Methotrexate — omeprazole can increase methotrexate levels in the blood, raising the risk of toxicity; Diazepam (Valium) — omeprazole may increase diazepam levels and prolong its effects; Warfarin — omeprazole may enhance the blood-thinning effect of warfarin; INR monitoring is advised; Ketoconazole and itraconazole — omeprazole reduces stomach acid needed for absorption of these antifungals; Iron supplements — reduced stomach acid may decrease iron absorption.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Omeprazole should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. While animal studies have not shown direct harm, there is limited data in pregnant women. It is classified as Category C in pregnancy. Omeprazole passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking omeprazole. For occasional heartburn during pregnancy, simpler antacids may be a safer first option.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Losec (AstraZeneca, made in Sweden); Risek (Julphar, made in UAE); Omez (Dr. Reddy's, made in India); Getzome (Getz Pharma, made in Pakistan); Getzome Insta (Getz Pharma, made in Pakistan); Meprasil (Fidson Healthcare PLC, made in India); Omefast-20 (Greenlife Pharmaceutical Limited, made in India); Omeshal (Shalina Healthcare Nigeria Limited, made in China).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/omeprazole/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine omeprazole products sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book website or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase from licensed pharmacies or registered patent medicine stores only — avoid buying from open markets, bus stops, or unregistered vendors
4. Inspect the packaging for the manufacturer's details, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — all should be clearly printed
5. Genuine omeprazole capsules should have a consistent appearance — if the capsules look discoloured, damaged, or the contents appear different from usual, do not take them
6. For major brands, check for additional security features such as holographic seals or QR codes on the packaging

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## Compared with

### Omeprazole vs Esomeprazole: is the newer ulcer drug worth the extra naira?

For most heartburn and ulcer treatment, omeprazole does the job at a fraction of the price. Esomeprazole — chemically the refined half of the same molecule — suppresses acid slightly more strongly milligram-for-milligram, which occasionally matters for stubborn reflux or healing erosive damage. Start cheap; step up only if symptoms genuinely persist.

When Omeprazole fits:

- First treatment of heartburn, gastritis, or an ulcer course
- Budget matters — the difference funds the rest of your treatment
- It's part of an H. pylori combination a clinician prescribed

When Esomeprazole fits:

- A proper omeprazole course genuinely didn't settle symptoms
- Endoscopy showed erosive damage a doctor wants healed harder
- Night-time reflux keeps breaking through

Esomeprazole guide: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/esomeprazole/

## FAQs

### Is omeprazole the best drug for treating ulcer in Nigeria?

Omeprazole is one of the most effective and widely prescribed medications for peptic ulcer disease in Nigeria. As a proton pump inhibitor, it is more effective at reducing stomach acid and healing ulcers than older medications like cimetidine and ranitidine. However, if your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection — which is the case for the majority of ulcers in Nigeria — omeprazole alone is not enough. You will need triple therapy: omeprazole combined with two antibiotics (usually amoxicillin and metronidazole or clarithromycin) for 7 to 14 days. Always get tested for H. pylori before starting treatment so your doctor can prescribe the right combination.

### Can I take omeprazole every day for a long time?

Omeprazole is intended for short to medium-term use, typically 4 to 8 weeks for ulcer healing and 4 weeks for GERD. Taking omeprazole continuously for extended periods (months or years) without medical supervision is not recommended, as long-term use has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium levels, increased risk of bone fractures, and a higher chance of certain gut infections. If you find yourself needing omeprazole daily for more than 8 weeks, see a doctor for proper evaluation. Some patients with conditions like severe GERD or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may genuinely need long-term PPI therapy, but this should be under regular medical review.

### Should I take omeprazole before or after food?

Omeprazole works best when taken 30 minutes before a meal, usually before breakfast. This is because the drug needs to be absorbed into your bloodstream before it can block the acid pumps in your stomach, and these pumps are most active when you eat. Taking omeprazole after food reduces its effectiveness. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water — do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. If you are taking it twice daily (as in H. pylori triple therapy), take one dose before breakfast and the second dose before your evening meal.

### I've taken ulcer drugs for months and the pain keeps coming back — what now?

Get tested for H. pylori. Most recurring 'ulcer' in Nigeria is driven by this bacteria, and a one-to-two-week eradication combination (two antibiotics plus one of these acid drugs) can end the cycle for good. Also watch NSAID painkillers like diclofenac and ibuprofen, which quietly cause ulcers.

### When should I take it?

30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day. Both drugs need to be in your system before the stomach's acid pumps switch on with food — swallowing them after a meal wastes much of the dose.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)