Prilosec

Prilosec Information

Generic Name: Omeprazole

Other Common Names: Inhibitron

Prilosec (omeprazole) is used to prevent ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach produces too much acid. It decreases the amount of stomach acid. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses, i.e. reflux disease also known as GERD.

How Does Prilosec Work?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the amount of acid in the stomach. Stomach acid is produced by the gastric acid pump. Omeprazole binds to this pump and blocks the secretion of acid into the stomach. Decreasing stomach acid can help ulcers to heal and reflux, or heartburn symptoms to subside.

How To Take Prilosec and Prilosec Dosage and Administration

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole, 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. Continue taking this drug even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses.

If You Miss a Dose of Prilosec

If you miss a dose 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.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.

Prilosec Side Effects

Prilosec Precautions and Contraindications

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not start or stop Prilosec without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

In short, before taking Prilosec,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to omeprazole or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ampicillin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), diazepam (Valium), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking omeprazole, call your doctor.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Prilosec Drug Interactions

Prilosec may interact with ampicillin, cilostazol, cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, vorconizole, or warfarin.

Additinal monitoring by your doctor should be executed if you are taking any of those medications.

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.

Storing Prilosec

Store Prilosec 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.

Additional Notes

If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this drug with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this drug for other health conditions. Keep this drug out of the reach of children and pets. If using this drug for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.