Prilosec

Prilosec Drug Information

• Prilosec Overview

  Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. Prilosec helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are self-treating with Prilosec, over-the-counter omeprazole products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

• How to Use Prilosec

  Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking omeprazole and each time you get a refill. Take Prilosec by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, before a meal. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the Dosage of Prilosec is also based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take Prilosec more often than directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not crush, break, or chew Prilosec. Swallow the capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule if it is not sealed and carefully sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture right away without chewing it. Then drink a glass of cool water to make sure you have swallowed all of the dose. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. Doing so may destroy the drug. If needed, antacids may be taken along with Prilosec. If you are also taking sucralfate, take omeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate. Use Prilosec regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take Prilosec for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better. If you are self-treating with the over-the-counter product, do not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your heartburn persists after 14 days or if you need to use Prilosec more than once every 4 months. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take Prilosec. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

• Prilosec Precautions

  Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole); or if you have any other allergies. Prilosec may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Prilosec, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, lupus. Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition.heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss. In addition, before you self-treat with Prilosec,trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prilosec, especially bone loss and fractures (see above), and Clostridium difficile infection (see Side Effects section). Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prilosec, especially fever, cough, and infections of the nose/throat/airways. During pregnancy, Prilosec should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Prilosec passes into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Prilosec Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Prilosec, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Prilosec Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.cilostazol, clopidogrel, methotrexate (especially high-dose treatment), rifampin, St John's wort. Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Omeprazole decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, erlotinib, nelfinavir, pazopanib, rilpivirine, certain azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others. Omeprazole is very similar to esomeprazole. Do not use any medications containing esomeprazole while using omeprazole. Prilosec may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Prilosec.

• Prilosec Side Effects

  What are Prilosec side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Prilosec may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Prilosec as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Prilosec

  The side effects of Prilosec may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Prilosec. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Prilosec may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Prilosec, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Prilosec.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Prilosec, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Prilosec and the side effects associated with Prilosec are described in the following:

  Common Prilosec Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • headache disorder
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • diarrhea
  • acute abdominal pain

  Less Frequent Prilosec Side Effects

  Severe

  • Upper Respiratory Infection

  Less Severe

  • upper respiratory infection
  • constipation
  • pruritus of skin
  • back pain
  • dizziness
  • general weakness
  • cough
  • chest pain
  • nausea
  • fever

  Rare or Very Rare Prilosec Side Effects

  Severe

  • esophageal candidiasis
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • hepatic failure
  • hyponatremia
  • pancytopenia
  • anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • neutropenic disorder
  • leukocytosis
  • optic neuritis
  • hypertension
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • hepatitis
  • pancreatitis
  • interstitial nephritis
  • hematuria
  • erythema multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • proteinuria
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • fracture
  • atrophic gastritis
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • urticaria
  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
  • leukopenia
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
  • increased aspartate transaminase
  • increased alanine transaminase
  • hyperbilirubinemia
  • bradycardia
  • cholestatic hepatitis

  Less Severe

  • peripheral edema
  • gynecomastia
  • blurred vision
  • alopecia
  • xerostomia
  • stomatitis
  • purpura
  • urinary tract infection
  • fatigue
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • cramps
  • dysgeusia
  • skin rash
  • anorexia
  • hypomagnesemia
  • discolored feces
  • abdominal distension
  • pain
  • skin photosensitivity
  • skin inflammation
  • petechiae
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • paresthesia
  • vertigo
  • benign fundic gland polyposis of stomach
  • malaise
  • tinnitus
  • dry skin
  • hyperhidrosis
  • vitamin B12 deficiency
  • dry eye
  • testicular pain
  • glycosuria
  • ocular irritation
  • diplopia
  • sore throat
  • epistaxis
  • sleep disorder
  • tremor
  • weight gain
  • muscle weakness
  • leg pain
  • tachycardia
  • palpitations

• Prilosec Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Prilosec when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.