Maxor Heartburn Relief (Omeprazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Maxor Heartburn Relief Used For?
Maxor Heartburn Relief contains omeprazole, which belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It works by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach to provide relief of symptoms and allow healing to take place.
Primary Uses
Maxor Heartburn Relief is used for the relief of heartburn and stomach acid complaints due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This condition is caused by ‘washing back’ (reflux) of food and acid from the stomach into the oesophagus (food pipe), which can cause a burning feeling in the chest rising up to the throat.
How It Works
It works by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to give relief of symptoms and allow healing to take place. This does not stop food being digested in the normal way.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Maxor Heartburn Relief is addictive.
How to Take Maxor Heartburn Relief
Take one Maxor Heartburn Relief capsule at the same time each day unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
The required dose is one Maxor Heartburn Relief capsule a day (every 24 hours). Do not crush or chew the capsules – if the granules in the capsules are crushed or chewed they will not work properly. Maxor Heartburn Relief should be taken for at least 7 days, and up to 14 days. You should not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by a doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your capsules as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- constipation
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- wind
- stomach pain
- headache
- dizziness
- skin rash
- itchy skin
- dry or sore mouth
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- skin reaction (which may include rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling of the skin) especially in sun-exposed areas with joint pain
- ulcers, blisters or bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- blood in the urine
- swelling of hands, feet or ankles
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- feeling generally unwell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- muscle pain or weakness, joint pain
- tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, pins and needles
- changes in sleep patterns
- mood changes, confusion or depression
- blurred vision
- increase in breast size (males)
- fever
- increased bruising or bleeding
- increased sweating
- hair loss
- tremor
- signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- vomiting blood or food
- passing black or blood-stained motions
Important Warnings
Before taking Maxor Heartburn Relief, it’s important to check if it’s safe for you and discuss any medical conditions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Who Should Not Take Maxor Heartburn Relief
Do not use if you are allergic to omeprazole or any of the ingredients, allergic to any medicines containing a proton pump inhibitor, or taking cilostazol (a medicine used to treat cramping pain and weakness in legs). Do not give to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives; had to take other medication for indigestion or heartburn continuously for four or more weeks; recently finished a course of similar medicine; any problems with your liver; been diagnosed with osteoporosis; any other medical conditions; take any medicines for any other condition; or ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a similar medicine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Maxor Heartburn Relief if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says so. It is not known if it is safe to take while pregnant as it may affect your baby. It is also not known if your baby can take in the medicine from breast milk if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Maxor Heartburn Relief and affect how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
- cilostazol – medicine used to treat intermittent claudication
- phenytoin – medicine used to treat epilepsy or fits
- warfarin and clopidogrel – medicines used to prevent blood clots
- digoxin – medicine used to treat heart conditions
- diazepam – medicine used to treat anxiety
- St John’s Wort – herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders
- ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole – medicines used to treat fungal infections
- clarithromycin or rifampicin – medicines used to treat bacterial infections
- atazanavir or nelfinavir – medicines used to treat viral infections such as HIV
- tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil – medicines used to assist in organ transplants
- methotrexate – medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
- erlotinib or related medicines used to treat cancer
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Maxor Heartburn Relief.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to limit your alcohol intake as it may help your condition.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Maxor Heartburn Relief affects you.
Storage
Keep your capsules in the blister pack until it is time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat or sunlight, and do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Maxor Heartburn Relief, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache and confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maxor Heartburn Relief should be taken for at least 7 days to be effective. It works by reducing stomach acid production over time rather than providing immediate relief.
Yes, you can take Maxor Heartburn Relief with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
No, there is no evidence that Maxor Heartburn Relief is addictive.
Tell your doctor if your reflux symptoms return after you stop taking Maxor Heartburn Relief. You may need further treatment with omeprazole.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. They may advise you to limit your alcohol intake as it may help improve your condition.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, do not crush or chew the capsules. If the granules inside are crushed or chewed, they will not work properly. Always swallow the capsules whole with water.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.