Drug Uses

Prilosec is used to treat various acid-related stomach and esophagus problems. If you suffer from persistent heartburn (and have tried to treat it and changed your diet) Prilosec may be right for you. Prilosec (Omeprazole) is used to treat various acid-related stomachs and / or throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). When using this medication to treat certain ulcers, it may be prescribed along with certain antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin).

How Taken

Prilosec is a delayed-release 20mg tablet, taken once a day (every 24 hours) for 14 days before eating. You should not take it for more than 14 days or repeat a 14-day course more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. This decreases how well Prilosec works in the body.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

This medication may cause diarrhea, constipation, stomachache, nausea, gas, loss of appetite, headache, or dizziness the first few days as your body adjusts to it. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Unlikely but tell your doctor if you develop back or joint pain, nervousness, sleep disturbances, cough, chest pain, unusual thirst, change in amount of urine or vision changes. This medication may rarely cause loss of hair, ringing in the ears, swelling of the stomach or fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Overdose

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

More Information

Prilosec is not appropriate if you:
-have only occasional heartburn
-have one episode of heartburn a week or less
-want immediate relief of heartburn.
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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.

Other info about Prilosec at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

Law Firm Poised to Take Pharmaceutical Companies to Court Over...
New studies show popular <a href="http://www.simmonspharmalaw.com/practices-proton-pump-inhibitor-lawsuits.html">proton pump inhibitors</a>, or antacid drugs, like Prilosec can cause serious...Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/07/prweb4203674.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Law Firm Poised to Take Pharmaceutical Companies to Court Over Injuries Caused by Antacid Medications
New studies show popular proton pump inhibitors (http://www.simmonspharmalaw.com/practices-proton-pump-inhibitor-lawsuits.html), or antacid drugs, like Prilosec can cause serious fractures. (PRWeb Jul 6, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/07/prweb4203674.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

FDA Warns on Fracture Risks With PPIs
The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to physicians and consumers that proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures. The agency said that it is changing the labeling for prescription and over-the-counter versions of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reflect new safety information that is the result of a review of seven epidemiologic studies. Most of the observed risk was in people older than age 50 years and those who took high doses or used the drugs for more than a year. Prescription PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). There are OTC versions of Prilosec, Zegerid, and Prevacid. (Source: Ob.Gyn. News)

Dispatch: Celebrex: Something to Celebrate
A randomized trial published today in The Lancet assesses the risk of adverse gastrointestinal effects & mdash; mainly bleeding & mdash; in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients associated with treatment using celecoxib (Celebrex) in a head-to-head comparison trial versus diclofenac (a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) plus the stomach-protecting omeprazole (Prilosec). (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Warning: Common acid-suppressing PPI drugs are over-used and have serious health risks
(NaturalNews) Have heartburn occasionally? Suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms? Mention your indigestion to a pharmacist and the odds are you'll be directed to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs that are now sold over the counter. Or, if you tell your doctor about your heartburn problems, you'll most likely be given a prescription for an even stronger dose of a PPI. These Big Pharma profit making drugs (which include Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex and Protonix) are pushed for indigestion because they are supposedly stronger and faster acting than other older acid suppressing and acid neutralizing meds.But there are problems with these widely hyped drugs. According to a series of reports just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, not only are PPIs being...