omeprazole delayed-release capsule – oral, Prilosec
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Omeprazole is used to treat stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It decreases stomach acid production and relieves symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication heals acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, prevents ulcers, and may help prevent esophageal cancer. Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter omeprazole products are used for frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). These products may not provide immediate relief and should be used according to package instructions. Make sure to check the label for any ingredient changes. Taking the wrong product can be harmful. HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet (if available) provided by your pharmacist before starting omeprazole and each time you get a refill. Take this medication by mouth once daily, before a meal. If you are self-treating, follow the product instructions. Dosage and treatment length depend on your condition and response. In children, the dosage is based on weight. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of cool soft applesauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing, followed by a glass of water. Do not prepare the mixture in advance. Antacids can be taken with this medication if needed. Take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Continue to take it for the prescribed length of treatment even if you feel better. If self-treating, do not use it for more than 14 days without consulting your doctor. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if you have serious symptoms. If you think you have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical assistance.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Precautions section. Headache or abdominal pain may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Although uncommon, seek immediate medical assistance if you experience severe side effects, such as – low magnesium blood level symptoms (fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, seizures). This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to bacteria. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal/stomach pain/cramping, fever, blood/mucus in stool. Severe allergic reactions to this drug are rare, but seek medical help immediately if you notice any symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Report any other effects not listed to your doctor or pharmacist. In the US, call your doctor or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor or Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or similar drugs, or if you have any other allergies. Discuss with your pharmacist about inactive ingredients in the product. Before using, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver disease. Some symptoms may be signs of a serious condition, so seek immediate medical help if you have heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss. Before self-treating, get immediate medical help if you have trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, or stomach pain. Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially with long-term use, high doses, and in older adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about preventing bone loss/fractures. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, so be cautious. Before surgery, disclose all the products you use to your doctor or dentist. During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Make a list of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products may interact with this drug, including cilostazol, clopidogrel, high-dose methotrexate, rifampin, St. John’s wort. Certain products need stomach acid for proper absorption. Omeprazole reduces stomach acid, so it may affect how well certain products work. Some affected products include ampicillin, atazanavir, erlotinib, nelfinavir, and certain azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others. Do not use medications containing esomeprazole while using omeprazole. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false results. Inform laboratory personnel and all your doctors about your use of this drug. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, excessive sweating, blurred vision, and fast heartbeat. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others if it was prescribed to you. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for long-term use, you may need periodic medical tests to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it expires or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database supplements the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.
