Drug name
Prilosec (Omeprazole)
Drug Uses
Prilosec helps to treat or esophagus irritation or heartburn afected by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease ).
Sometimes it is taken for treating stomach ulcers, intestines. It is often combined with antibiotics for treating the small intestines ulcers. Moreover, it reduces production of excessive stomach acid. Sometimes it may be taken for some other conditions as directed by your doctor.
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Read the medicine label for precise dosing instructions carefully.
Take Prilosec by mouth without food (it is recommended to use it on an empty stomach).
You should swallow the medicine whole and not to chew, crush or break it before tsking.
In case you use imidazole antifungal simultaneously with Prilosec, use it not less than two hours before the dose of Prilosec.
If you have to take sucralfate, take Prilosec at least half an hour before using sucralfate.
You are permitted to use antacids while Prilosec therapy, if your doctor determined so.
Proceed to take Prilosec even in case you feel better in a few days.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Being a PPI (proton pump inhibitor), Prilosec decreases the acid amount which is created in the stomach.
Missed Dose
Take this medicine as determined by your doctor. If you omit a dose of Prilosec, take it immediately. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. Then go back to your usual schedule.
Storage
You should save Prilosec at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep it in a hermetic and light-resistant container. Store Prilosec away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this remedy beyond the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings Precautions
Sometimes certain medical conditions interact with Prilosec . Tell your pharmacist or doctor in case you have the following medical conditions:
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
you are breast-feeding;
if you have bowel/stomach cancer;
you are currently using some herbal preparation, certain dietary supplement
or prescription/nonprescription medicine,
you are allergic to some substances (medicines, foods etc.)
if you have problems with liver.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
You are not adviced to drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Prilosec.
Using Prilosec alone or with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
There are some medications interacting with Prilosec . Inform your health care provider in case you are currently taking any other medicines, especially the following ones:
Effectiveness of ampicillins, ginkgo biloba, azole antifungals, iron and HIV protease inhibitors may be lowered by Prilosec.
Voriconazole or clarithromycin are able to highten the danger of side effects of Prilosec.
Prilosec may highten the risk of side effects of sphenytoin, tacrolimus, anticoagulants, cyclosporine, digoxin, benzodiazepines, cilostazol and disulfiram.
Possible Side Effects
It is known that medicines may provoke certain side effects. Nevertherless, many people have no/ minor side effects. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects take place:
headache; diarrhea.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); swelling of some parts of the body; vision problems; pain in chest; dark urine; skin/eyes yellowing; irregular heartbeat; fever; chills; skin changes; bruising/ bleeding; tiredness.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
More Information
This medication should be taken only by those patients for whom it is prescribed. You should not give it to others.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Prilosec.