Risek tablet is a delayed-release oral antacid capsule indicated for the treatment of GERD and associated diseases like gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is a prescription or non-prescription drug prescribed as such or with other medicines. It is manufactured by GETZ pharma and its generic name is ‘omeprazole’.
It is an FDA-approved drug with other brand names including Prilosec, Losec, and Omesec.
Key Points
- Risek contains omeprazole and is a prescription medicine for the treatment of ulcers and acid reflux diseases. Its price in Pakistan is 20-25PKR per capsule.
- Risek is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production and is taken 30-40 minutes before the meal
- Risek capsule is safe to use in pregnancy on a doctor’s prescription
About Risek
Risek contains omeprazole which belongs to the class of proton-pump inhibitors. This class of drugs is the most potent inhibitor of acid secretion from the stomach. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the H/K ATPase pump which blocks the production of acid in the stomach.
It comes in the form of a delayed-release (released in the intestine) capsule, an instant sachet, and an injectable.
The strengths of the Risek tablet are as follows;
- Risek capsule 20 mg
- Risek capsule 40 mg
Injectable: 40 mg
Indications or uses of Risek tablet
Risek capsule is the most commonly prescribed medicine for the treatment of a number of conditions that include;
- H.pylori-induced peptic ulcers: Risek is used for the treatment and prevention of peptic ulcer that is caused by H.pylori bacteria in adults. It is a very effective proton pump inhibitor when included in triple therapy. The risk tablet reduces gastric acid secretions.
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers: Risek tablet reduces the number of acids produced by the stomach. This reduces the inflammation and irritation caused by duodenal or gastric ulceration.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease: GERD is treated by omeprazole containing Risek tablet. It provides symptomatic relief from heartburn, belching, and indigestion.
- NSAIDs-related ulcers: The ulceration caused by long-term use of NSAIDs is treated by using Risek which is a proton pump inhibitor. It reduces the inflammation and pain caused by ulceration. Risek is also used in prophylaxis of NSAID-induced ulcers.
- Dyspepsia: In indigestion, Risek can be used half an hour before a meal. It regulates stomach acid production and assists digestion.
Other uses of Risek tablet are in;
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (digestive disorder resulting in increased gastric acid secretion)
- Symptomatic treatment of heartburn
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions in adult
- Upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
What is Risek tablet price in Pakistan?
The cost of Risek depends on the strength (20 mg or 40 mg) of the capsule. The average price of a Risek capsule in Pakistan ranges between 20-25 PKR/capsule
How to take a Risek capsule?
- Risek capsule is taken by mouth with water 30 min before the meal
- Prescription Risek drug is used alone or in combination as advised by the doctor
- For non-prescription use, take once a day for not more than 14 days in a row
- Do not spit, chew or break the tablet
- Do not stop taking the medicine if the symptoms are resolved
- Follow the prescribed regime properly
- Use the medicine at the same time every day to get its optimum effect
- Consult the doctor immediately if the symptoms worsen or any side effects appear
Dosage of Risek
The dosage of Risek capsule varies according to the disease for which it is prescribed and also the combination of drugs that is given with it.
The recommended dosage is as follows;
For duodenal ulcer
20 mg PO once daily for 4-8 weeks
For Helicobacter Pylori infection
There are various regimens possible for PPIs combined with antibiotics, for example;
Triple therapy: 20 mg PO every 12 hr for 10 days, combined with
Amoxicillin 1000 mg PO every 12 hr, and
Clarithromycin 500 mg PO q12hr (every 12 hr) for 10-14 days
Dual therapy: 40 mg once daily for 14 days, combined with
Clarithromycin 500 mg three times daily for 14 days
For GERD
20 mg PO every for 4 weeks
For gastric ulcer
40 mg per day for 4-8 weeks
Dose modifications are essential for pediatric patients and those with hepatic or liver impairment.
Consult a doctor for accurate information about your dosage and dosing intervals.
Side effects of Risek
Some of the most common side effects of taking Risek include;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Testicular pain
- Respiratory issues and fever in children (1-6 years)
Chronic side effects may include;
- Blisters or peeling skin
- Rashes
- Swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bone fractures
Interactions of Risek with other drugs
Omeprazole-containing Risek may interfere with drugs like;
- Certain antivirals like Atazanavir
- Digoxin
- Ketoconazole
- Iron salts
- Antibiotics like ampicillin
- Warfarin
- Phenytoin
- Benzodiazepines
- Methotrexate
Risek tablet may also interfere with laboratory tests as well.
Tell your doctor about all the herbal or conventional medicines and special diets that you are already taking to avoid any severe drug-drug and drug-food interactions.
Warnings and contraindications
- Do not use the medicine if you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in the formulation.
- The therapy may cause Clostridium difficile – associated diarrhea.
- Do not take Risek for immediate relief of heartburn.
- Do not take St John’s Wort with omeprazole.
- For children and renal or hepatic impaired patients, dosage reduction is required.
Risek in pregnancy
Omeprazole is placed in Category C for pregnancy and is generally safe to use, however, it is recommended to treat indigestion without taking omeprazole or any antacid medicine.
Little evidence suggests that omeprazole passes into breast milk.
Overdose of Risek
Symptoms of Risek overdose include;
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
Missed dosage of Risek
It is recommended to take the prescribed dose as advised. However, if you forget the dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the time of the next dose is near, skip the previous dose.
Do not take the medicine twice at one time.
Alternatives of Risek tablet
In case Risek is unavailable to you, some alternative options are;
- Lozip
- Klofix
- Meprazole
- Omega
Storage of Risek tablet
- Keep it in a tight, light-resistant container
- Store in a cool dry place
- Keep out of the reach of the children
Consult the doctor before using Risek tablet and report the side effects immediately.
FAQs
1. How long does Risek take to work?
Omeprazole takes 2-3 days to start working and may even take 4 days to reach its optimum effect. Hence, it is not recommended for immediate heartburn relief.
2. Does omeprazole make you sleepy?
No, omeprazole does not cause drowsiness. Risek, containing omeprazole, is a proton-pump inhibitor that blocks the acid secretions from the stomach.
3. What are the dangers associated with taking omeprazole?
Omeprazole may cause nausea and headaches in some individuals. Other dangers of taking Risek include bone fractures, mouth sores, and tongue, lips, or throat swelling.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.