Drug Uses

Prilosec is a medicine used for the treatment of different stomach and esophagus problems associated with acid production. Prilosec may be helpful for you if you have a persistent heartburn and you have tried to treat it and have changed your diet. Prilosec is indicates for the treatment of acid-related conditions such as GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. The medicine may be used in combination with particular antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin, clarithromycin) for the treatment of some ulcers.

How Taken

Prilosec is available as a delayed-release tablet of 20 mg that is taken once a day (every 24 hours) before a meal for a period of 14 days. Do not take the medicine longer than 14 days and do not repeat the 14-day course more often than every 4 months unless your doctor told you so. The tablets should not be crushed, broken or chewed because this may reduce the efficiency of the medicine.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Prilosec you should inform your doctor if you have liver problems, other stomach problems (for example, tumors), or any allergies. Pregnant women should use the medicine only if it is much needed. Discuss all benefits and risk of a treatment with Prilosec during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are breast feeding. The usage of Prilosec is not recommended if you are breast feeding because it is not known if the medicine passes into breast milk.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Prilosec may cause diarrhea, constipation, stomachache, nausea, gas, loss of appetite, headache, or dizziness during the first few days until the body adjusts to it. Notify your doctor if these side effects continue for a longer period or if they worsen. The following adverse effects are unlikely to occur but you should inform your doctor if you experience them: back or joint pain, nervousness, sleep disturbances, cough, chest pain, unusual thirst, change in amount of urine or vision changes. In rare cases Prilosec may cause loss of hair, ringing in the ears, swelling of the stomach or fatigue. If you develop an allergic reaction you should immediately search for medical help. An allergic reaction may be manifested by rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. Inform your doctor if you experience any other side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

Storage

Prilosec should be stored at a room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Keep it away from light and moisture.

Overdose

Immediately search for medical help if you suspect an overdose. An overdose of Prilosec may be signaled by confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision, unusually fast heartbeat, seizures.

More Information

Prilosec is contra-indicated for individuals who:
-have only occasional heartburn
-have one episode of heartburn a week or less
-want immediate relief of heartburn.
Inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicine that you are using. Do not start or stop the usage of any medicines without a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.