Omeprazole for Children

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What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a type of medication called a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are used to treat gastro-oesphageal reflux disease, commonly known as “Reflux”.

Omeprazole is the preferred PPI for use in children in Glasgow.

How is Omeprazole given?

There are many different formulations of Omeprazole in use.

We recommend 2 different types of Omeprazole depending on the age of your child:

  • From birth your child can have Omeprazole as a Multi-Unit Pellet System (MUPS)
  • Once weaned (usually from 7 months) your child can have Omeprazole as a capsule

Picture showing examples of Omeprazole formulations. Two pink tablets (MUPS) suitable for use from birth, and one yellow capsule suitable for babies who have been weaned (usually from 7 months).

How to give Omeprazole Multi-Unit Pellet System (MUPS)

  • MUPS can be a challenge to give.
  • In our experience, the most effective way to give Omeprazole to babies is using MUPS.
  • The following technique is the easiest way to give Omeprazole MUPS:

Examples of syringes used to give medicine to babies

1. Use a 5 ml syringe

Shows the plunger removed from the syringe

2.  Remove plunger

Shows the placement of the tablet inside the syringe

3. Place MUPS tablet in body of syringe

Shows plunger being placed back into the syringe

4. Replace Plunger

Shows the plunger being pushed down into the syringe until it meets the MUPS tablet in the bottom

5. Push the plunger down to the MUPS

Shows the syringe dipped into a pot of cooled boiled water and 5mls of water being pulled up into the syringe.

6. Pull up 5ml of cooled boiled water

Shows the syringe with 5mls of water and the MUPS tablet not yet dispersed.

7. Initial appearance of MUPS in water

Shows the fluid in the syringe now changed from clear to white as the medicine disperses into the water

8. Allow to disperse over 10 minutes

Close up of the syringe showing that the white liquid has small balls suspended in it.

9. The fluid will have small balls in the liquid.
This is the active medication

Shows examples of drops of the medication, some with a few balls suspended within the white liquid and some with many.

10. Each drop can vary in consistency.
This is normal

  • Push the fluid in to your child’s mouth

  • Push in small amounts (0.2ml) each time

  • Keep doing this until the full amount given

  • Aim for the inside of your child’s cheek (next to where the back teeth will eventually be)

  • It is unlikely that the full dose will be swallowed. This is normal.

  • The recommended dose for your child takes this in to account.

  • Providing that most of the dose is taken, the amount of Omeprazole your child takes will be safe and effective.

How to give Omeprazole Capsules

Shows how to open the Omeprazole capsule by pulling it into two halves.
  1. Open capsule
Shows the contents of the capsule poured onto a spoon. The contents consists of many small balls of medication.
  1. There are small balls inside the capsule.
    This is the active medicine.
    The balls have a special coating.
    Do not crush them.
Shows a spoon of jam and the contents of the capsule being poured on top of the jam
  1. Pour the balls on to a spoon of a thick liquid such as jam or yoghurt.
Shows the contents of the capsule gently mixed into the jam.
  1. Gently cover the balls.
    Insert the spoon in to your child’s mouth.
  • Encourage your child to swallow the contents without crushing the balls.

  • It can be difficult for younger children not to try and chew.

  • In most cases, this will not result in the balls being crushed