Anvisa allows the sale of omeprazole without the need for a medical prescription
The information was initially released by columnist Lauro Jardim, from the newspaper O Globo. The medicine can be purchased for adult use, for up to 14 days, with clear instructions that treatment should only be started when symptoms appear two or more times a week.
Omeprazole is a medicine that is part of the group of proton pump inhibitors whose action is to reduce the production of acid in the stomach. Given the wide use of this drug, it is considered very safe. However, it is important to use this medicine rationally, that is, to use it appropriately, in the right dose and for the appropriate time.
Omeprazole is indicated for the treatment of the following symptoms and conditions:
- Gastric (stomach) ulcers
- Duodenal (bowel) ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux (return of gastric juice from the stomach to the esophagus)
- Dyspepsia (characterized by heartburn, belching, indigestion and increased acidity)
- Zollinger-Ellison disease (rare, causes excess acid production)
