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Omeprazole

 

Omeprazole (generic Prilosec) Review

brand name: Prilosec
generic names: Omeprazole capsules, Omeprazole

What are omeprazole capsules?

OMEPRAZOLE (Prilosec®) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It reduces symptoms and prevents injury to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers. Omeprazole is also useful in conditions that cause excessive stomach acid production such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and certain cancers. Generic omeprazole capsules are available.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an omeprazole overdose include drowsiness, headache, sweating, vomiting, nausea, fast heartbeat, blurred vision, or dry mouth.

Why should Prilosec (Omeprazole) not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Prilosec (Omeprazole) 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 (Omeprazole)/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap.

How should I take this medicine?

Take omeprazole capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water; do not crush, break or chew. The capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce or yogurt, given with fruit juices, or swallowed immediately with water. Omeprazole works best if taken on an empty stomach. It is best to take the capsules 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What other drugs will affect omeprazole?

Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• a medicine for insomnia or anxiety such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and others.
• iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or
• ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
• fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• theophylline (TheoBid, Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• tacrolimus (Prograf);
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• disulfiram (Antabuse);
• atazanavir (Reyataz);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect omeprazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use omeprazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

How should you take Prilosec (Omeprazole)?

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

Short-term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer

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

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, mix, you can empty the contents of the Prilosec (Omeprazole) capsule onto a tablespoonful of applesauce, 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.

Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers Caused by H. Pylori

In combination therapy with Biaxin alone, the usual dosage is 40 milligrams of Prilosec (Omeprazole) 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.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking this drug.

For children weighing less than 44 pounds, the usual dose is 10 milligrams a day. For those weighing 44 pounds or more, the usual dose is 20 milligrams a day. For children with erosive esophagitis, your doctor will determine the correct dose based on the child's weight.

CHILDREN 2 TO 16 YEARS OLD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Acid-Related Disorders

If amoxicillin is included in the treatment, 500 milligrams of Biaxin, the recommended dosage is 20 milligrams of Prilosec (Omeprazole), 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.

The dose may be continued to maintain healing.

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

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.

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

The safety and effectiveness of Prilosec (Omeprazole) have not been studied in children under 2 years old.