Prolok 40 

Presentation: Each enteric-coated capsule contains Omeprazole BP 40 mg as enteric-coated pellets. Prolok 40 is a brand name marketed by The Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical Industry PLC in Bangladesh. It is usually available in blister packs. The enteric coating protects the drug from stomach acid until it reaches the intestine.

Indications: Prolok (Omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) indicated for the treatment of acid-related disorders, including:

• Benign gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Prevention of relapse in duodenal ulcer
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), including erosive esophagitis
• Long-term management of acid reflux disease  
• Acid-related dyspepsia  
• Severe ulcerating reflux esophagitis  
• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration during general anesthesia  
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome  
• Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer(in combination with antibiotics)
• NSAID-associated duodenal and gastric ulcers, and as prophylaxis in patients with a history of these ulcers.

Dosage and Administration: Prolok 40 capsules should be swallowed whole with water and taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal, preferably in the morning.

• Benign gastric ulcer: 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks.
• Duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks; in severe cases, 40 mg daily. Maintenance dose for recurrent duodenal ulcer is 20 mg once daily, or 10-20 mg daily for relapse prevention.
• GERD with erosive esophagitis: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. For GERD refractory to other treatment, 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks may be given. Maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily.  
• Long-term management of acid reflux disease:10-20 mg daily.  
• Acid-related dyspepsia:10-20 mg once daily for 2-4weeks.  
• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration:40 mg on the preceding evening, then 40 mg 2-6 hours before surgery.  
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome:Initially 60 mg once daily,adjusted based on acid secretion. Usual range 20-120 mg daily (doses over 80 mg should be divided).
• H. pylori eradication: Omeprazole 20 mg twice daily in combination with specific antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin and Metronidazole, or Clarithromycin and Metronidazole) for one week.
• NSAID-associated ulcers: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, may be continued for another 4 weeks if not fully healed. For prophylaxis in patients with a history of NSAID-associated ulcers, 20 mg once daily.
• Severe ulcerating reflux esophagitis in children (>1 year):If body-weight 10-20 kg, 10-20 mg once daily for 4-12 weeks; if body-weight over 20 kg, 20-40 mg once daily for 4-12 weeks.  

Side Effects: Omeprazole is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain, and constipation. Less common side effects can include dizziness, insomnia, and skin rash. Long-term use may be associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, low magnesium levels, and vitamin B12 deficiency in some individuals.

Precautions: Prolok (Omeprazole) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to omeprazole or any of the excipients. Gastric malignancy should be excluded before initiating therapy. Caution should be exercised in patients with severe liver disease. Omeprazole can interact with several other medications, including diazepam, warfarin, and phenytoin, potentially delaying their elimination. The dose of warfarin or phenytoin may need to be reduced when Omeprazole is added. Concomitant use with clopidogrel should be avoided as omeprazole may reduce its pharmacological activity.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation:Omeprazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.⁵If the use of Omeprazole is considered essential, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.