What is Losec MUPS and what is it used for?

Losec contains the active ingredient omeprazole, which is an effective treatment for acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion, by reducing the amount of stomach acid that the body produces. It is available from The Independent Pharmacy either as a capsule or as a multiple unit pellet system (MUPS). Because the medicine in MUPS tablets is contained in many small pellets, you can open the tablet and dissolve its contents in water or juice. So, Losec MUPS is an excellent option if you have any difficulty swallowing capsules.

Losec MUPS 20mg tablets are manufactured by Cheplapharm Arzneimittel and are available in boxes of 28 gastro-resistant tablets. This medicine is safe for use by adults including the elderly and children over the age of 1 year.

What is heartburn and acid reflux?

Stomach acid is necessary for the digestive process. The acid breaks down food before it reaches the intestines. Normally, the oesophagus is protected from these acids by a group of muscles called the oesophageal sphincter. These muscles are meant to form a one-way barrier to allow food to enter the stomach but acids and other substances remain down.

Sometimes, the oesophageal sphincter weakens under excess pressure causing stomach acid to pass up into the oesophagus. This is acid reflux. Heartburn is the name for the painful sensation of acid irritating or burning the tissues of the oesophagus. It has nothing to do with the heart – it gets its name because the pain is felt at the base of the chest.

How does Losec MUPS work?

Many will experience occasional heartburn, however, some people suffer from these symptoms very frequently. This may be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Omeprazole is the active ingredient contained in Losec, which is a prescription medicine for GORD and other similar stomach conditions. It works by suppressing the activity of proton pumps, the proteins which produce acids in the stomach. This decreases the amount of acid in the stomach, relieving the symptoms of heartburn.

Alternatives to Losec MUPS

Antacids, such as Gaviscon, are over the counter medicines that can be taken as required. Antacids are alkali liquids or tablets that are designed to neutralise stomach acid. A dose can often give quick relief.

Lansoprazole is an alternative prescription-only treatment that works in a very similar way to Omeprazole. Alternatively, ranitidine and famotidine also work to reduce stomach acid but have a different mechanisms of action.

Full details on available treatment can be found over on the Acid Reflux & Heartburn Advice page.

Non-medicinal alternatives to Omeprazole

Symptoms of GORD are likely to be much worse if you are lying down horizontally. Consider sleeping on an incline, and avoid lying down after eating.

Obesity is the primary cause of GORD. This is because excess stomach fat puts pressure on organs such as the stomach. Large meals that fill the stomach have the same effect, so consider eating smaller meals. Also, you should try to avoid fatty, spicy or acidic foods and specifically onions, chocolate, and gluten, as well as carbonated or caffeinated drinks.

Cutting down on alcohol and nicotine can also help to improve symptoms of GORD. There are also several medications that interfere with digestion or the oesophagus in a way that might increase your risk of GORD. Talk to your GP about whether your medication might be causing your acid reflux, and if other treatments are available.

Sources

• Losec MUPS, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/r...