OD Capsule

OD capsule is an anti-reflux medicine and is used to treat gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). This medicine is used when it does not respond to omeprazole therapy alone. GERD is a condition where acid from the stomach comes up to the food pipe.

This backflow of acid irritates the lining of the food pipe and leads to chest pain and heartburn. OD capsule contains a combination of domperidone and omeprazole. It should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed.

Take this medicine at least 30 mins before food.

Dosage

Overdose

• Overdose can result in confusion, dizziness, nausea or headache
• In case of an overdose, visit your nearest hospital or contact your doctor

Missed a Dose

• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember
• If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• A pump called the proton pump in the stomach is responsible for the secretion of stomach acids. Omeprazole binds to this proton pump in stomach cells, thus blocking acid secretion
• Domperidone increases the motility of the stomach and intestines so that acid does not reflux back into the food pipe

Directions for Use

It should be taken as a whole with a sufficient amount of water, preferably in the morning before food.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take OD capsule during pregnancy?

• There is limited safety information available on the use of the OD capsule in pregnancy. Hence, this medicine should be used only prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take OD capsule while breastfeeding?

• This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts and might affect your baby
• Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, after assessing the benefits over risks
• Your doctor might change the medicine, ask you to stop breastfeeding or closely monitor the baby

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed OD capsule?

OD capsule is unlikely to affect the ability to drive. However, if you experience dizziness, visual disturbances after taking this medicine avoid driving or be cautious.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with OD capsule?

There is no known interaction between alcohol and the OD capsule. However, avoid consuming alcohol as it is known to increase acidity and can make your acidity worse.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You develop watery diarrhoea, fever after taking this medicine
• You experience black stools
• You have a stomach tumour or cancer
• You have a history of fractures, osteoporosis or are taking steroids
• You are on this medicine for more than three months. Your blood magnesium levels may drop. Your doctor may perform regular tests for the same
• Taking this medicine for more than one year may increase chances of developing bone fractures
• If you have serious heart problems like congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems or electrolyte imbalance
• You have liver and kidney disease or kidney failure
• You develop skin lesions after taking this medicine
• You are taking medicines to treat infection or you have HIV

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Omeprazole and Domperidone, any of the ingredients of this medicine
• If you have low magnesium levels in your blood
• If you have stomach or intestinal bleeds or obstruction
• If you are suffering from liver or kidney disorder
• If you have problems related to bones like osteoporosis and had fracture
• If you have serious heart problems like congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems
• If you have any tumor of the pituitary gland (Prolactin pituitary tumours)

Side effects

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way the OD capsule works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, high/abnormal cholesterol levels, blood thinners, anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, pain killers, immunomodulatory medicines or medicines for the brain-related disorder.

Interactions with food items

To be taken on an empty stomach. There are no known interactions with food or beverages. However, nicotine, caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) and alcohol can stimulate stomach acid or delay ulcer healing and hinder the treatment process.

Storage and disposal

• Store this medicine below 25°C, protected from moisture
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there any danger of taking this medicine for too long?

• Yes, taking any medicine for too long or in too much quantity has it's own side effects
• This medicine should only be taken for the duration as prescribed by your doctor, do not self medicate yourself
• On long term use, this medicine is known to cause low levels of magnesium, increased fracture risk and vitamin B12 deficiency
• Your doctor may monitor you for these when on long term treatment

Does smoking and alcohol increase acidity and GERD?

Yes, both cause an increase in acidity. Smoking also relaxes a valve present between the food pipe and stomach. This leads to stomach acid coming back upwards in the food pipe. This worsens reflux/ GERD disorders.

What is the composition of the OD capsule?

OD capsule contains a combination of domperidone and omeprazole, an anti-reflux medicine.

When should I take the OD capsule?

Take the OD capsule as advised by your doctor. You should take this medicine with a glass of water, preferably 30 mins before meal.

How can I manage my condition with the help of a few lifestyle changes?

• A lifestyle change will probably help you control and manage acid reflux and related symptoms well.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking, excessive consumption of soft drinks, citrus juices, tea and coffee (caffeinated beverages).
• Avoid spicy, oily and fast foods.
• Never eat late at night or just before going to bed.

Does OD capsule help in stomach pain?

Stomach aches can be due to various reasons. OD capsule can provide some relief from stomach aches if it is associated with stomach or intestinal ulcers or due to acidity.