Prilosec (Omeprazole)

Also Known as Losec

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  Description

  What is Prilosec used to treat?

  

  Prilosec is a medication that belongs to a group called proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that are used to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and promotes healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

  It works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medicine may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

  Prilosec is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

  Directions

  Once you are prescribed and buy Prilosec, follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.

  Swallow whole and do not chew, crush, or open the capsule.

  If you have difficulty swallowing this medicine whole, the capsule may be opened, and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken as directed

   Do not chew the food/medicine mixture or make-up a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects.

  After taking the drug/applesauce mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the medicine. Take this medicine before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

  This medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals; ketoconazole and itraconazole.

  If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to omeprazole, it is best to take the omeprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate.

  Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

  STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture.

  Do not store in the bathroom.

  CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible.

  If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

  Ingredients

  Active Ingredient in Prilosec is Omeprazole.

  Cautions

  Patients should not use Prilosec if they are allergic to omeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox). Ask a doctor if it is safe for you to take Prilosec if you have liver disease or heart disease, or low levels of magnesium in your blood.

  Do not use Prilosec without the advice of a doctor if you have any of the following:

  • Trouble or pain with swallowing
  • Bloody or black stools
  • Vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds
  • Heartburn that has lasted for over 3 months
  • Frequent chest pain
  • Heartburn with wheezing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain

  
  Taking Prilosec may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have taken the medication long term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia.

  It is also unknown whether Prilosec will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Prilosec can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking this medication.

  Side Effects

  The most common side effects of Prilosec are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash and dizziness. Nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps, and water retention occur infrequently.

  Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms of low magnesium:

  • Dizziness, confusion
  • Fast or uneven heart rate
  • Jerking muscle movements
  • Feeling jittery
  • Muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling
  • Cough or choking feeling
  • Seizure (convulsions)

  
  Inform with your doctor immediately if you experience unusual stomach pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mental or mood changes (such as depression or agitation), chest pain, or fast or irregular heartbeat. Allergic reactions to this medicine are unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

  High doses and long-term use (1 year or longer) may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Therefore, it is important to use the lowest doses and shortest duration of treatment necessary for the condition being treated.

  This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects that you may experience.

  
  
  
  

  IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

  Product Code : 5645

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