Information on Prilosec

Pronounced: PRY-low-sek
Generic name: Omeprazole

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Why is Prilosec prescribed?

Prilosec is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach), and erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents into the canal leading to the stomach). It is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of conditions in which too much stomach acid is secreted, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells).

Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Prilosec is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori.

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Most important fact about Prilosec

Prilosec's healing effect can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility.

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How should you take Prilosec?

Prilosec works best when taken before meals. It can be taken with an antacid.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. It should not be opened, chewed, or crushed.

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can empty the contents of the Prilosec capsule onto a tablespoonful of applesauce, mix, and swallow with a glass of cool water. Use cool, soft applesauce and do not chew or crush the pellets. Use the mixture immediately. Do not store it for future use.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking this drug.

It may take several days for Prilosec to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage information...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture.

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What Prilosec side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prilosec.

More common side effects may include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Less common or rare side effects may include:

• abdominal swelling
• abnormal dreams
• aggression
• anemia
• anxiety
• apathy
• back pain
• breast development in males
• blood in urine
• changes in liver function
• chest pain
• confusion
• constipation
• cough
• depression
• difficulty sleeping
• discolored feces
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• dry skin
• fatigue
• fever
• fluid retention and swelling
• fluttery heartbeat
• frequent urination
• gas
• general feeling of illness
• hair loss
• hallucinations
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure
• hives
• irritable colon
• itching
• joint and leg pain
• loss of appetite
• low blood sugar
• muscle cramps and pain
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• pain
• pain in testicles
• rapid heartbeat
• rash
• ringing in ears
• skin inflammation
• sleepiness
• slow heartbeat
• stomach tumors
• taste distortion
• tingling or pins and needles
• throat pain
• tremors
• upper respiratory infection
• urinary tract infection
• vertigo
• weakness
• weight gain
• yellow eyes and skin

When taken with Biaxin, side effects also may include:

• Flu symptoms
• nasal inflammation
• sore throat
• taste alteration
• tongue discoloration

When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects also may include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• taste alteration

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Why should Prilosec not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Prilosec or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

You should avoid the Prilosec/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap.

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Special warnings about Prilosec

Long-term use of this drug can cause severe stomach inflammation.

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Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prilosec

If Prilosec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prilosec with the following:

• Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)
• Iron
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

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Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Prilosec during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Avoid combined therapy with Biaxin unless there is no alternative. Prilosec (and Biaxin) may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

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Recommended Prilosec dosage

ADULTS
Short-term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer

The usual dose is 20 milligrams once a day. Most people heal within 4 weeks, although some require an additional 4 weeks of Prilosec therapy.

Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers Caused by H. Pylori

In combination therapy with Biaxin alone, the usual dosage is 40 milligrams of Prilosec once daily and 500 milligrams of Biaxin 3 times a day for 14 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Prilosec once daily for an additional 14 days.

If amoxicillin is included in the treatment, the recommended dosage is 20 milligrams of Prilosec, 500 milligrams of Biaxin, and 1,000 milligrams of amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Prilosec once daily for an additional 18 days.

Gastric Ulcer

The usual dose is 40 milligrams once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The usual dose for people with symptoms of GERD is 20 milligrams daily for up to 4 weeks. For erosive esophagitis accompanied by GERD symptoms, the usual dose is 20 milligrams a day for 4 to 8 weeks.

The dose may be continued to maintain healing.

Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions

The usual starting dose is 60 milligrams once a day. If you take more than 80 milligrams a day, your doctor will divide the total into smaller doses. The dosing will be based on your needs.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Prilosec in children have not been established.

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Prilosec Overdose

Overdose with Prilosec has been rare, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Prilosec overdose may include:

• blurred vision confusion drowsiness dry mouth flushing headache nausea rapid heartbeat sweating vomiting