Why is Prilosec prescribed?

Prilosec is used to prevent ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach produces too much acid. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Omeprazole is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Prilosec be used?

Prilosec comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule. It usually is taken once a day, before a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Omeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, crush, break, or chew the capsules; swallow them whole.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking prilosec,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Prilosec or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Totacillin), cisapride (Propulsid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), diazepam (Valium), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), phenytoin (Dilantin), pimozide (Orap), terfenadine (Seldane), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Prilosec, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a 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.

What side effects can Prilosec cause?

Although side effects from prilosec are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• diarrhea
• constipation
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• cough
• cold symptoms
• dizziness
• mild rash

If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash with swelling and peeling

What storage conditions are needed for Prilosec?

Keep Omeprazole in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Omeprazole. Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.