PRILOSEC DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this
drug.
OMEPRAZOLE DELAYED RELEASE - ORAL (oh-MEH-pruh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prilosec
USES: Omeprazole is used to treat
various acid-related stomach and/or throat (esophagus) problems
(e.g., GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).
It works by blocking the production of acid in the stomach. When
using this medication to treat certain ulcers, it may be prescribed
along with certain antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin).
HOW SHOULD I TAKE PRILOSEC?:
- Take omeprazole 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.
- Omeprazole is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the over-the-counter omeprazole tablets (Prilosec OTC). 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 omeprazole 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 omeprazole (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 omeprazole regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking omeprazole 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 omeprazole.
- Store omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea,
gas, or constipation, may occur. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any
of these serious side effects occur: rash, stomach/abdominal pain,
back pain, unusual tiredness, dizziness, vomiting. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
chest pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction
to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if
it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of: liver problems, other stomach problems
(e.g., tumors), any allergies. This medication should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into
breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor
of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use,
especially: diazepam, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin),
hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole,
itraconazole), ampicillin, iron supplements, sucralfate, cilostazol.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose of Prilosec is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, unusual sweating, blurred
vision, unusually fast heartbeat, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication
with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store Prilosec at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
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