Prilosec
Omeprazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prilosec
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group of medicine. It acts by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It acts by blocking the enzyme which is responsible for acid production in the stomach.
Therapeutic Uses of Prilosec
Prilosec is used in the treatment of ulcers of stomach and intestines. It is also used in treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes heartburn or irritation of the esophagus. It may also be used with certain antibiotics to treat ulcers (caused by H. pylori infection) of the small intestines and to help prevent from recurrence of ulcer. It may also be used to treat conditions that cause your body to produce excess stomach acid like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Prilosec may also be used in some other medical conditions that your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Prilosec
Take Prilosec as per direction of your doctor or follow the instruction given in the label of the medicine:
- Prilosec is taken by mouth on empty stomach preferably before breakfast in the morning.
- Swallow the capsule as a whole without breaking, chewing or crushing it.
- If you can not swallow the capsule you can add the contents of the capsule to 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture in one go, followed by a glass of drinking water. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed with out chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets of the capsule and do not store the mixture for further use.
- If your doctor allows, you can take antacids with Prilosec.
- If you are taking imidazole antifungal like ketoconazole, you should take it at least 2 hours before taking Prilosec. If you are also taking sucralfate (an stomach or intestinal ulcer protective medicine) you should take it at least 30 minutes after taking Prilosec.
- Do not miss a dose of Prilosec and keep taking it even if you feel better after taking Prilosec.
If You Miss a Dose of Prilosec
If you miss a dose of Prilosec take it as soon as you remember it even if you are not on empty stomach (Prilosec is usually taken before breakfast in the morning). If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose regularly as scheduled. Do not take 2 doses of Prilosec, without asking your doctor.
How to Store Prilosec
Prilosec is stored at room temperature, (15 to 30 degrees C or 59 to 86 degrees F). Keep it away from heat, moisture and light in a tightly closed container. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Prilosec
- If you experience an allergic reaction you should stop taking Prilosec and seek emergency medical attention. The symptoms of allergic reaction are hives, difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
- Prilosec may also cause less serious side effects. Keep taking Prilosec if you get less serious side effects and consult your doctor. The less serious side effects of Prilosec are drowsiness, dizziness, or headache; diarrhea, increased gas, bloating, itching etc.
- Side effects other than those listed above may also occur due to Prilosec. Consult your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual and especially if it become bothersome to you.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prilosec
Some medical conditions may interact with Prilosec. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any of the medical conditions that may interact with Prilosec. The following medical conditions may interact with Prilosec and you should inform your doctor:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to any medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you have any liver problem, stomach cancer or bowel cancer.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine or OTC medicine (over the counter), herbal preparation, dietary supplement.
Some medicines may interact with Prilosec. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Prilosec. The following medicines may interact with Prilosec:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin), benzodiazepines (diazepam), cilostazol, cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, phenytoin, tacrolimus; the side effects of these drugs may be increased by Prilosec.
- Clarithromycin, voriconazole may increase the risk of side effects of Prilosec.
- Ampicillins, azole antifungals like ketoconazole, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors or anti HIV drugs, iron etc. as their effectiveness may be decreased by Prilosec.
Possible Adverse Effects of Prilosec
All medicines can cause some side effects. Many people have no side effects, or have minor, side effects. Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects become bothersome or persistent:
- Nausea, diarrhea, headache etc.
If you experience any serious side effects of Prilosec, you should consult your doctor immediately. The following are the side effects of Prilosec:
- Severe allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, itching, unusual hoarseness, difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain, fast and/or irregular heartbeat; dark urine, fever, chills, or sore throat (symptoms of infection); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Comments