Prilosec

Generic Name: omeprazole (oh MEP ra zol) Prilosec decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Prilosec is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Prilosec is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid). Prilosec may also be given together with antibiotics to treat Gastritis (gastric ulcer) caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
What is the most important information I should know about Prilosec ?
• Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC should be taken once every 24 hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4 months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact your healthcare provider .
• Do not stop taking Prilosec even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
What is Prilosec?
• Prilosec decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
• Prilosec is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.
• Prilosec may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Prilosec?
• Before taking Prilosec, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take Prilosec, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
• Do not use over-the-counter Prilosec OTC without first talking to your healthcare provider if you have
· trouble or pain with swallowing;
· vomiting blood;
· bloody or black stools;
· had heartburn for over 3 months;
· heartburn with sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest, shoulder, neck, jaw, or arm pain;
· frequent chest pain;
· heartburn with wheezing;
· unexplained weight loss;
· nausea or vomiting; or
· stomach pain.
• Your doctor should evaluate your condition before taking over-the-counter Prilosec OTC if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Prilosec is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Prilosec will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prilosec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Prilosec passes into breast milk. Do not take Prilosec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Prilosec?
• Take Prilosec exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Prilosec is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the over-the-counter Prilosec OTC tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Take Zegerid oral powder for reconstitution on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal. Empty the contents of the packet into a small cup containing 2 tablespoons of water. Do not use other liquids or foods. Stir the contents and drink immediately. Refill the cup with water and drink.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, the prescription Prilosec capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. Follow with a drink of water.
• Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC should be taken once every 24 hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4 months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
• It is important to take Prilosec regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not stop taking Prilosec even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
• Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with Prilosec.
• Store Prilosec at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an Prilosec overdose include drowsiness, seizures, shortness of breath , and decreased body temperature.
What should I avoid while taking Prilosec?
• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Prilosec, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Prilosec?
• If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Prilosec and seek emergency medical attention.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prilosec and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness, dizziness, or headache;
· diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating; or
· itching.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Prilosec?
• Before taking Prilosec, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
· warfarin (Coumadin);
· digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
· a medicine for insomnia or anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), clorazepate (Tranxene), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and others;
· cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
· phenytoin (Dilantin);
· theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others);
· itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
· ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); or
· iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others).
• You may not be able to take Prilosec, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Prilosec. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.