Drug NamePrilosec (Omeprazole) Drug UsesPrilosec is used for treating heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It may also be used for short-term treatment of ulcers of the stomach or small intestines. It may also be used with certain antibiotics to treat ulcers of the small intestines and to help prevent them from coming back. It may also be used to treat conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. How to useUse Prilosec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Prilosec by mouth on an empty stomach before eating.
- Swallow Prilosec whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open Prilosec before swallowing.
- If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to an empty bowl. Open the capsule and empty the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture at once, followed by a glass of cool water. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed with out chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets. Do not store the mixture for further use.
- You may take antacids while you are using Prilosec, if you are directed to do so by your doctor.
- If you also take an imidazole antifungal (eg, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Prilosec.
- If you also take sucralfate, take Prilosec at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
- Continue to take Prilosec even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Missed 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep away from moisture and light.
Warnings/Precautions
Some medical conditions may interact with Prilosec. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver problems or stomach or bowel cancer
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Prilosec. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Clarithromycin or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Prilosec side effects
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), cilostazol, cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, phenytoin, or tacrolimus because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Prilosec
- Ampicillins, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir), or iron because their effectiveness may be decreased by Prilosec.
Possible Side Effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
More Information
- If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking omeprazole and seek emergency medical attention.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take omeprazole 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.
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