Description:

Omeprazole Delayed Release Capsules USP 20mg (AVENTRA by NBS Pharmaceuticals) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication used to reduce stomach acid production. It is indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers), erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and as part of combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. It is also used for prevention of NSAID-induced ulcers and stress ulcer prophylaxis in some cases. In Ghana (Accra), it is a very common, affordable prescription medication widely available in pharmacies for acid-related conditions like heartburn, reflux, and ulcers.

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; commonly prescribed by general practitioners, gastroenterologists, or physicians; not freely OTC in most pharmacies due to need for appropriate diagnosis and duration control).

Therapeutic Category:

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) / Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each delayed-release capsule contains:

• Active ingredient: Omeprazole USP – 20 mg (enteric-coated pellets to protect from stomach acid degradation). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Sugar spheres, hypromellose, methacrylic acid copolymer, triethyl citrate, talc, sodium lauryl sulfate, mannitol, povidone, titanium dioxide, gelatin (capsule shell), and colorants (capsules are usually white or off-white with colored band).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Omeprazole 20mg delayed-release capsules (standard dose for most indications). Related variants: Omeprazole 10mg or 40mg capsules (lower/higher strengths), omeprazole powder for oral suspension, or omeprazole injection (for severe cases). The 20mg capsule is the most common strength for GERD, ulcer treatment, and H. pylori regimens.

Consume Type:

Oral – Delayed-release capsule (swallow whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open – coating protects from stomach acid).

Directions/Usage: Take as prescribed (usually once daily).

• GERD/erosive esophagitis: 20 mg once daily for 4–8 weeks (healing); maintenance 20 mg once daily.
• Duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks.
• Gastric ulcer: 40 mg once daily for 4–8 weeks.
• H. pylori eradication: 20 mg twice daily in combination with antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin + amoxicillin) for 7–14 days.
• Take preferably in the morning, before breakfast, on an empty stomach for best acid suppression.
• Duration: Short-term (4–8 weeks) for acute conditions; longer-term only under medical supervision with periodic review.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Headache.
• Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth. Less common: Rash, fatigue, increased liver enzymes. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, low magnesium (hypomagnesaemia – muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat), fractures (long-term use), or vitamin B12 deficiency (prolonged use).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip; packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, 3×10 = 30, or 7×10 = 70 capsules; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not take longer than prescribed without medical review (long-term PPI use linked to increased risk of fractures, infections, low magnesium, vitamin B12 deficiency, and kidney issues).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to omeprazole, other PPIs, or severe liver impairment.
• Caution in pregnancy (use only if benefits outweigh risks), breastfeeding, osteoporosis risk, or patients on clopidogrel (possible interaction).
• Monitor magnesium levels with long-term use or concomitant diuretics.
• If severe diarrhoea, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or signs of allergy occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar omeprazole 20mg delayed-release capsules in Ghana include:

• Generic omeprazole 20mg capsules (various importers).
• Losec (original AstraZeneca brand, higher price if stocked).
• Other brands like Omez, Omeprazol, Omezole, or local generics. Alternatives: Esomeprazole 20mg/40mg, pantoprazole 20mg/40mg, lansoprazole 30mg, rabeprazole 20mg (other PPIs). Consult pharmacist/physician in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

NBS Pharmaceuticals or similar (many omeprazole 20mg capsules in Ghana are produced by local or Indian manufacturers; AVENTRA/NBS often appears on generic labels). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported or local generic).

Country of Origin:

India or Ghana (many such generics are manufactured in India and imported to Ghana; some may be locally packaged or produced under license).