General Information and Indications:
Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow
of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe
(esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such
as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Omeprazole is used in combination with other
drugs to eliminate
H. pylori
Information For Users:
Omeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting)
capsule. It is usually taken once a day before a meal. When taken in
combination with other medications to eliminate
H. pylori
Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or crush them.
If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may add the contents of an
omeprazole capsule to applesauce. Place one tablespoon of applesauce in an
empty bowl. Open the capsule and carefully empty all the pellets inside the
capsule onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow
immediately with a glass of cool water. The applesauce should not be hot and
should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. Do not chew or crush
the pellets. Do not store the applesauce/pellet mixture for future use.
Continue taking omeprazole even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
omeprazole without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Omeprazole is also used sometimes to treat laryngitis. Talk to your doctor
about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to omeprazole or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: ampicillin (Omnipen,
Polycillin, Totacillin); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin
(Coumadin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); diazepam (Valium); disulfiram
(Antabuse); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications for anxiety and seizures;
phenytoin (Dilantin); sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins
containing iron. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking omeprazole, call your
doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Omeprazole may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o dizziness
o mild rash
o constipation
o cough
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o confusion
o drowsiness
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o rapid or pounding heartbeat
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o sweating
o flushing
o headache
o dry mouth
Brand Name(s):
o Prilosec®
o Prilosec® OTC
|
