Aprazole Plus sachets 20 mg

Omeprazole 20 mg + Sodium Bicarbonate 1680 mg

Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Manufacturer: Ajanta Pharma

Dosage Form: Powder for oral suspension in individual sachets

Similar Brands:

Uses:

Treatment of conditions caused by excess stomach acid, including:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/acid reflux symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation).
  • Erosive esophagitis (healing and maintenance).
  • Peptic ulcers (gastric/duodenal).
  • Prevention of stress ulcers or gastric bleeding in critically ill patients.
  • Symptomatic relief of heartburn, indigestion, or hyperacidity.
    Provides faster symptom relief than standard delayed-release PPIs due to bicarbonate buffering. Not for immediate/emergency relief (use antacids if needed); not curative for H. pylori ulcers (requires antibiotics).

Dosage:

Mix and take orally once daily (preferably on empty stomach, 1 hour before meal for best absorption).
Adults: 1 sachet (20 mg omeprazole/1680 mg sodium bicarbonate) once daily.
For erosive esophagitis/healing: 20 mg once daily for 4–8 weeks.
Maintenance/maintenance of healing: 20 mg once daily.
Children: Not typically recommended (limited data; consult pediatrician).
Duration: Short-term for symptoms (e.g., 14 days OTC for heartburn); longer under doctor supervision with monitoring (e.g., up to 8 weeks for ulcers). Do not exceed without advice; adjust in renal/hepatic impairment (monitor closely).

Side Effects:

Common (>1%): Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas/flatulence, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth.
Less common: Rash, back pain, cough, upper respiratory symptoms.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe diarrhea (C. difficile-associated), bone fractures (long-term/high-dose), low magnesium/calcium/vitamin B12 (prolonged use), kidney issues, lupus-like symptoms, or rebound acid hypersecretion on stopping.

Warnings & Precautions:

Contains high sodium (from bicarbonate)—use caution in hypertension, heart failure, or sodium-restricted diets.
Long-term use (>8 weeks) increases risks (e.g., fractures, infections, nutrient deficiencies)—use lowest effective dose/shortest duration.
Not for self-treatment if symptoms include weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing (seek doctor).
Monitor in elderly or those with osteoporosis risk.
Stop gradually if used long-term to avoid rebound.
May mask symptoms of serious conditions.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Pregnancy: Limited human data; animal studies show no major risks at therapeutic doses—use only if clearly needed (former Category C equivalent); consult doctor.
Lactation: Omeprazole passes minimally into breast milk; generally compatible short-term—consult provider (monitor infant).

Drug Interactions:

Reduces absorption of drugs needing acid (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, atazanavir, erlotinib)—separate dosing.
Increases levels/toxicity of clopidogrel (reduced efficacy—caution), diazepam, warfarin, phenytoin.
High-dose methotrexate: Risk of toxicity.
Antiretrovirals (e.g., rilpivirine): Reduced efficacy—avoid.

Contraindications:

Known hypersensitivity to omeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles, or sodium bicarbonate.
Concomitant rilpivirine-containing antiretrovirals (reduced efficacy).
Use caution/seek alternatives in severe renal impairment or sodium-restricted conditions.

Price: Ksh 1000/-

Notes:

Pack of 20 sachets, (~6 g each)