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Generic Name: omeprazole (oh MEH pra zol)
Brand Names:
Prilosec |
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What is the most important information I should know about
omeprazole? |
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Over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) should be taken once every 24
hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not
take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4
months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact
your healthcare provider. |
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Do not stop taking omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully
treated. |
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Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the
stomach. |
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Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or
heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid
production. |
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Omeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
omeprazole? |
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Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of
liver disease. You may not be able to take omeprazole, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring. |
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Do not use over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) without first talking
to your healthcare provider if you have |
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trouble or pain with swallowing; |
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bloody or black stools; |
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had heartburn for over 3 months; |
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heartburn with sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest, shoulder, neck,
jaw, or arm pain; |
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heartburn with wheezing; |
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unexplained weight loss; |
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Your doctor should evaluate your condition before taking over-the-counter
omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) if you have any of the conditions listed
above. |
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Omeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether omeprazole will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether omeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take
omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I take omeprazole? |
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Take omeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of
water. |
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Omeprazole is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's
instructions. |
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Do not crush, chew, or break the over-the-counter omeprazole tablets
(Prilosec OTC). Swallow them whole. |
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If you have difficulty swallowing, the prescription omeprazole capsules can
be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce. The
pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The
applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without
chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce
mixture should not be stored for later use. Follow with a drink of
water. |
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Over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) should be taken once every 24
hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not
take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4
months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact
your healthcare provider. |
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It is important to take omeprazole regularly to get the most
benefit. |
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Do not stop taking omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully
treated. |
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Store omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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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. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected. |
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Symptoms of an omeprazole overdose include drowsiness, seizures, shortness
of breath, and decreased body temperature. |
What should I avoid while taking omeprazole? |
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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking
omeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
What are the possible side effects of
omeprazole? |
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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. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take omeprazole and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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drowsiness, dizziness, or headache; |
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diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating; or |
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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. |
What other drugs will affect omeprazole? |
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Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines |
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digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); |
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a medicine for insomnia or anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam
(Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), clorazepate (Tranxene),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and others; |
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cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); |
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theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin,
others); |
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itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); |
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ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); or |
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iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). |
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You may not be able to take omeprazole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with omeprazole. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about omeprazole written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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