Generic Omeprazole
Chemical Name: PRILOSEC
 
Common uses
This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medicine may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking ampicillin, cilostazol, cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, vorconizole, or warfarin.

do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing this medicine whole, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken as directed. Do not chew the food/medicine mixture or make-up a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. After taking the drug/applesauce mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the medicine.

Take this medicine before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to omeprazole, it is best to take the omeprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medicine is not recommended.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, dizziness, or rash. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.

Additional information

If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.

Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.