IMPORTANT NOTE:
This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the medication(s) shown are
safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
The information shown is general and does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions.
Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment and/or self-diagnosis.
Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care provider.
We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain.
We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of
the information on this site nor will we be held responsible for consequences of self-treatment.
Consult your health care provider before using any drug.
The following information is a summary about
PRILOSEC. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Delayed Release Capsule
Chemical Name: OMEPRAZOLE (o-MEP-ra-zole)
Common uses
This medicine is a
proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn,
gastroesophageal reflux, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. 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.
Before using
Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ampicillin, cilostazol,
cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole,
ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, vorconizole, or
warfarin. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE 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.
Directions
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. 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.
Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE,
OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until
you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone,
with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to
drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit
alcoholic beverages. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS
while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW
MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your
doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT,
discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS
EXCRETED in breast milk. BREAST-FEEDING WHILE USING THIS MEDICINE is
not recommended.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that
may go away during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough,
dizziness, or rash. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions
can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing
its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
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.
Additional information
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
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.