Prilosec (omeprazole) belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Omeprazole 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. It 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 gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Directions
Take Prilosec exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Prilosec is usually taken before eating. Prilosec should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. Take the medicine in the morning before you eat breakfast. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours. The recommended Prilosec dose for duodenal ulcer treatment is 20 mg for 4 to 8 weeks. The recommended dose for stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) is 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. The recommended dose for gastroesophageal reflux disease is 20 mg once daily for up to 4 weeks.
Precautions
You should talk with your doctor prior to taking Prilosec if you have: liver disease, cirrhosis, hypomagnesemia, any allergies, heart disease. Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as 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. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Contraindications
You should not take Prilosec if you are allergic to omeprazole, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms: hives, seizure, confusion, cough, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, fast or uneven heart rate, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, hypomagnesemia, broken bones, loss of appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, blurred vision, anemia. If you experience one of the side effects listed above you should stop taking Prilosec.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: blood thinner (warfarin), diuretics, diazepam, disulfiram, cilostazol, clopidogrel, digoxin, HIV or AIDS medications (atazanavir, saquinavir), tacrolimus, phenytoin, cyclosporine, ketoconazole, ampicillin, rifampin, voriconazole.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are fast heartbeat, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, vomiting.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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