Zol-20 mg is a proton pump inhibitor belonging to the class of omeprazole. Chemically it is a benzimidazole. It is a product of National Health Care Private Limited.
INTRODUCTION TO ZOL-20 MG TABLETS
This brand of omeprazole acts by inhibiting the final common step in gastric acid secretion. This happens in the parietal cells of your stomach. By virtue of this, there is complete abolition of HCL secretion. However, Zol-20mg doesn’t have any other actions like anticholinergic or antihistaminic.
Indications
- Peptic ulcers
- Heartburn
- Stress ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorders (GERD)
- Zollinger Ellison Syndrome (ZES)
- Aspiration Pneumonia
Your doctor may prescribe once or twice daily depending on the severity.
Doses in these conditions
For peptic ulcer, the usual dose of Zol-20mg is one capsule daily for a minimum of four weeks. However, the duration can prolong up to 8 weeks. However, this depends upon the severity of your ulcer. Similarly, in stress ulcers, the duration is a minimum of two to four weeks. In cases of heartburn your physician may prescribe for 2 weeks. This may prolong depending upon your symptom after 14 days. For GERD, the dose is similar to that of peptic ulcers. The dose for ZES may prolong up to six months. For aspiration pneumonia, the dose is usually 10-14 days.
Side effects of this drug and other omeprazoles
Nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness may be present in 3-5%. Rarely rashes may appear as an adverse effect. Use of more than one year may lead to atrophic gastritis and hypergastrinemia. Long term use may also lead to osteoporosis and decrease in magnesium levels. Rare reports of gynaecomastia, peripheral neuritis and erectile dysfunction are also present in literatures. Consult your doctor to clear any confusion.
How to use Zol tablets by National Health Care ?
You must take this drug in an empty stomach at least one hour before the meal. Do not chew, crush or break this enteric coated tablet.
If you have to take twice, you must take it one hour before a major meal in the evening. Don’t take any solid or liquid items during this one hour interval.
So why should you take this drug one hour before meal?
It is because food decreases bioavailability of all PPIs. PPIs are proton pump inhibitors and include omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and a lot others.
It takes at least one hour for the drug to act over the active H+K+ATPase.
How does Zol-20 work in your illness?
In Peptic Ulcers
Zol works best for peptic ulcers when you take it once daily. You should take this drug at least one hour before the meal for the best results. The basis by which this great medicine works is by reducing the amount of gastric acid produced in your stomach. After you start this medicine, there is a decrease in the further growth of your ulcer. You may have to use other drugs alongside as well depending upon the severity.
In Heartburn
The mechanism by which Zol 20mg works in this condition is similar to above conditions. By reducing the amount of hydrochloric acid, there is a decrease in the mucosal irritation. This relieves pain and soothes your upper gastrointestinal tract.
In Stress ulcers
Taking this brand of omeprazole in stress ulcers reduces the amount of gastric acid. This will improve your conditions. Stress ulcers occur in various traumatic and non-traumatic conditions in your body. So, other medicines, proper rest and stress relief are equally important to allow your body heal.
In Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD)
In GERD, there will be chronic reflux of gastric acid towards your esophagus. By reducing the amount of this acid, there will be a decrease in your symptoms like pain. However, this may take some weeks to manifest. Besides, taking this medicine, you must also make lifestyle changes. This includes taking ample amounts of water and losing weight
Similarly, avoiding food at least 4-5 hours of bed will be synergistic to the drug’s effect.
Safety Concerns of Zol: the omeprazole
Do not take this drug with alcohol. Thus drug is safe in pregnancy. Considering lactation, contact your doctor before use. You can use this drug while driving. This drug is safe in kidney and liver diseases. Dose modifications are not usually preferable in kidney and liver ailments.
What to do if you forget to take Zol 20mg.?
Take it as soon as possible if you forget at any instance. If you forget one day or two, take it the next time and continue taking it. We do not recommend doubling or tripling the dose in this context.
Superiority over other groups of PPI
The mechanism by which all PPIs work is similar. However, safety of other groups of PPI is more than omeprazole.
Superiority over other brands of omeprazole
There is no such difference in potency, outcome and adverse effects of one or other brands of omeprazole. There is no any comparative studies in Nepalese literature about this issue.
FAQs about Zol-20
What is the use of Zol 20mg ?
It is a brand name of a pantoprazole, which belongs to the class of proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the production of gastric acid. It’s use is chiefly in peptic ulcer, GERD and heartburn.
What is the best time to take Zol 20mg.tablets?
The best time is in the early morning, as soon as you get off the bed. If you have to take twice, take this drug at least one hour before your meal both in the morning and evening. Don’t take any fluids or solid meals during this period.
How long does it take for work?
Action starts within one hour. But to get ample relief you will have to take this drug for at least 2-4 weeks. You may still have some symptoms during this time.
Is Zol 20mg safe?
Yes, it is safe in most of the conditions. We recommend talking to your doctor to get best results in this scenario.
Can I take this drug if I am fasting?
Yes, you can take Zol tablets, if you are fasting or even intermittent fasting.
Can I stop taking Zol-20mg if I feel better?
We don’t recommend this. If you stop taking this medicine abruptly, there may be a surge of acid production. This will worsen your condition. Consult your physician before stopping this drug
What if I overdose with Zol ?
Contact your health personnel immediately in this regard. Though there are no such systemic toxicity and antidotes for this drug, we request you be vigilant.
Does this drug cause weight gain?
There are only a few reports that may cause weight gain while intaking this drug. So, consult your doctor for any weight gain concerns
Can I take Zol 20mg with alcohol?
Alcohol doesn’t interfere in the mechanism of action of this drug. But it may increase acid production as a side effect. To prevent further worsening of your stomach, don’t take alcohol with this drug.
Can I take painkillers with Zol-20mg?
Petor and other brands are frequently prescribed together with painkillers. NSAIDS are known to cause stress ulcers. Hence, we recommend taking this drug along with painkillers. The dose and duration remains the same as above.
What other dietary changes should I make while taking this drug?
We recommend you take a lot of fibers, decrease excess oil and fat consumption. Refrain from caffeine and carbonated beverages.
Can I take antacids with this drug?
You can take antacids with this drug. But please take them at least two hours prior or after.
What are the potential side effects of Zol-20 mg?
The potential side effects are nausea and vomiting. Additionally, there may be rashes, insomnia and abdominal pain. If you consume for more than one year, you may suffer from hypomagnesemia, peripheral neuritis and osteoporosis.
Is Zol-20 mg injection available?
Zol 20mg as an injection is not available at the moment. However, the company may have plans to launch the injection in near future
Quick tips for Zol-20 mg
- Take this medicine in the morning. Avoid any food (solid or liquid), for at least one hour after intake.
- You can well tolerate this medicine. But, you must take in time and avoid certain things.
- Avoid beverages, alcohol and smoking while taking Zol 20mg for best results.
- Consult your doctor if you don’t see any effect for 2 weeks.
- Don’t stop taking this medicine before consulting your doctor.
- Call your doctor immediately if you develop edema, decreased urination, severe vomiting and rashes
Summary: Zol-20
- Chemical Class: Benzimidazole
- Manufacturer: National Health Care
- Available in combination: None in Nepal
- Addiction: None
- Bioavailability: 70-80%
- Metabolism: Liver
- Excretion: Faeces, Urine
- Therapeutic class: PPI
- Price: Four Rupees for tablet
- License Number:
- Drug Type: Category C
- Availability: In all pharmacies, Online pharmacies in Nepal
- Prescription Required? : No
Disclaimer about Zol-20mg
Though medical professionals have written content on this website, you must take these for informational purposes only. We request to consult your physician before using any drug and supplements mentioned in this portal.