Leveprazole Special Precautions

Before giving Omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors to patients with gastric ulcers, the possibility of malignancy should be considered since these drugs may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis. Omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors should be used with caution in hepatic impairment.
Gastric malignancy should be excluded at initiation of treatment and at follow-up of gastric ulcer therapy.
Gastritis has been reported occasionally in gastric corpus biopsies from patients on long-term Omeprazole therapy.
The use of acid-suppressants such as Omeprazole may increase a patient's risk of community-acquired pneumonia.
Use in Asian Population: Consider dose reduction in Asian patients receiving long-term Omeprazole therapy for maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis. The bioavailability of Omeprazole appears to be increased in these patients.
Use in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function: Consider dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment especially in those requiring prolonged use since plasma half-life is increased in these patients.
Use in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with impaired kidney function.
Use in Pregnancy: See Use in Pregnancy & Lactation section for further information.
Use in Lactation: See Use in Pregnancy & Lactation section for further information.
Use in Children: There is limited experience with the use of Omeprazole IV in children.
Use in the Elderly: There is no difference in efficacy and safety observed between geriatric and younger patients. However, some elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to the drug and may be at risk for potential side effects.