Prilosec (Omeprazole)

What is Prilosec?

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

What is Prilosec used for?

Prilosec is indicated for the treatment of acid-related stomach problems. It is used to treat symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and other acid-related conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis, etc. Reducing excessive stomach acid can help relieve symptoms like heatburn, swallowing trouble, sleep problems, and persistent cough.

The medicine also prevents serious acid damage to the digestive system. When given along with an antibiotic, the medicine helps prevent gastric ulcers caused by infection with helicobacter pylori or H.pylori.

How does Prilosec work?

Prilosec works by blocking the production of acids in stomach.

How to use Prilosec

Prilosec should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not use it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended.

Prilosec is usually taken once daily, before a meal, with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush or split the medicine. Swallow it. You may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce so as to make swallowing easier. Take the mixture right away. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you are taking the medicine in powder form, dissolve the powder in water. Use 1 teaspoon of water for 2.5 mg packet and 1 tablespoon of water for 10 mg packet. Take the mixture immediately.

Prilosec warnings and precautions

Before using Prilosec, tell your doctor if you are allergic to omeprazole.

Prior to taking Prilosec, tell your doctor if you have liver or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment.

Pregnant women should not use the drug as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. The drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Therefore, lactating females should not take this medicine without consulting their doctors.

Do not use over-the-counter omeprazole without consulting your doctor if you have swallowing trouble, black or bloody stools, frequent chest pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and heatburn that has lasted for over 3 months.

What do I do if I have missed a Prilosec dose?

If you have missed your Prilosec dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Prilosec overdose?

If you have taken a Prilosec overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Prilosec interactions

Before taking Prilosec, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like clopidogrel (Plavix), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral), diazepam (Valium), tacrolimus (Prograf), disulfiram (Antabuse), phenytoin (Dilantin), ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen),  ketoconazole (Nizoral), voriconazole (Vfend), iron (Femiron, Fergon, Mol-Iron, Feosol), or HIV/AIDS medicines such as atazanavir (Reyataz), saquinavir (Invirase), nelfinavir (Viracept). Such drugs can interact with Prilosec.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Prilosec side effects

Prilosec side effects include hives, breathing trouble, headache, stomach ache, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Prilosec, contact your doctor right away.