Brand Name: Prilosec
Generic Name: Omeprazole

Prilosec [Omeprazole] Description

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor [PPI], which suppresses the functioning of the enzyme in our bodies that produces acid, thereby reducing the secretion of gastric acid. When the acid content in the stomach is reduced, there is no reflux [throw-back of food] from the stomach to the throat. Reflux can cause heartburn, and even erode the lining of the esophageus. Omeprazole controls gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], erosive esophagitis, and laryngopharyngeal reflux [LPR]. It also heals ulcers in the esophageus, stomach and duodenum.

Uses of Prilosec

It is used to treat GERD, erosive esophagitis, LPR, dyspepsia, and the rare Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome [ZES]. Prilosec treats inflammation and ulcers as in peptic ulcer disease [PUD], and prevents upper gastrointestinal bleeding in seriously ill individuals. When used with antibiotics, it helps to cure H.pylori stomach infections. This medicine is available in tablet and capsule formulations; besides there is an OTC version available.

Prilosec OTC has an advantage – it prevents many acid-producing enzymes from producing excess acid. The dosage is different.

The safety of Prilosec has not been studied in children below the age of 2; while Prilosec OTC is not approved for children under 18 unless the doctor approves it's use.

How to Use Prilosec

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. The dose depends on what is being taken - Prisolec, or Prisolec OTC. It will also depend on the medical condition of the patient and the disorder for which it is being prescribed. In children, even the weight of the child is considered while prescribing the dose.

The tablet is usually taken before eating, and should be swallowed whole. The Prilosec delayed-release capsule can be opened, it's contents mixed with a spoonful of applesauce and eaten straightaway.

Missed Dose of Prilosec

It may be a-once-daily dose. If you miss a dose, consult your doctor. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if time is nearing for your next dose, then leave the missed dose and stick to your normal dosing pattern; but don't double your dose.

Side-effects of Prilosec

Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-

• Diarrhea, or conversely constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty in sleeping, or waking up
• Backache
• Cough.

An allergic reaction can include: rash, hives, itching, severe dizziness, swelling in the face/lips/tongue, chest tightness, or difficulty in breathing, for which you should contact your doctor for help at once and stop taking the medicine.

Overdose of Prilosec

Overdose symptoms can include: drowsiness, tachycardia, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, vomiting, perspiration, or dry mouth. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim collapses or stops breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Interactions of Prilosec

Some of the medicines with which Omeprazole interacts, are:-

• Cardiac medicines like Digoxin
• Anticoagulants such as Warfarin
• CNS depressants like Diazepam
• SSRI antidepressants such as Escitalopram
• Anti-epileptic drugs like Phenytoin
• Antifungals such as Ketoconazole, or Voriconazole
• Immunosuppressant drugs like Ciclosporin, or Tacrolimus
• Drugs for intermittent claudication such as Cilostazol
• Penicillin antibiotics like Ampicillin

Storage of Prilosec

When you buy Prilosec, store it at a room temperature of 15 C-30 C, away from heat, light and dampness and out of reach of children and pets.

Precautions of Prilosec

• Reduce your intake of alcohol/alcoholic beverages.
• Omeprazole does not give immediate relief but even if you get quick relief, take the medicine for the full course.
• If you are taking Prilosec OTC [once daily for 14 days] and do not get proper relief at the end of the therapy, inform your doctor. An additional course of 14 days can be taken, after a gap of 4 months.
• Those who drive, or operate machinery should refrain from doing so, until they know how this drug affects them and are sure of handling it's effects.
• It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat yourself by taking, increasing, decreasing, or stopping the medicine on your own.
• Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms it can do more harm than good to that person.

Notes of Prilosec

• Read the Patient Information carefully each time you purchase a refill - it may contain new information. Your doctor/pharmacist will be able to tell you more about the uses, precautions, side effects, and interactions linked to this medicine. Discard any unused medicine after your treatment is over.