Prilosec

Drug Name - Prilosec (Omeprazole)

Prilosec (Omeprazole) is used to prevent the excess acid production in the stomach.

Indications for Use

Omeprazole is helpful in the treatment of any inflammation or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum due to excess acid production in the stomach. It is also indicated for use in the treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It is also used when antibiotic therapy is being administered.

Instructions for Use

For the management of GERD, ulcers or in combination with antibiotic therapy, the prescribed dosage is 20-40 mg in a day. The healing of ulcers takes about one to two months of regular use. For use with antibiotics, the medication is continued for a period of 10-28 days. For severe heartburn, the drug has been approved for use for about two weeks.

For Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, the medication is begun at 60mg/day and then adjusted depending on the amount of acid production and the effects on symptoms. If the dosage is higher than 80mg, it is provided in divided doses. People with the syndrome have been prescribed doses of up to 120 mg/ thrice a day.

Omeprazole is best taken prior to consuming food and should be taken wholly and not by crushing, opening or chewing the tablet.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

Omeprazole belongs to a type of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They work by preventing the acid production in the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors are used in management of ulcers, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome all of which are caused by acid production in the stomach. Omeprazole works by inhibiting enzymes present in the stomach responsible for acid production. This enzyme inhibition reduces acid production thereby allowing healing of the ulcers. Omeprazole OTC is available for use without a prescription. Other proton pump inhibitors include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix) and rabeprazole (Aciphex).

If You Miss a Dose

In case you forget to take a dose, consume it as once you recollect that you missed a dose. In case the time when you remember is close to the next scheduled dose, avoid taking the dose you have missed and take the tablet only at the next scheduled time. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking extra dose of medicine.

Storing Instructions

Prilosec is best stored at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Safety Information

There are no limitations to the type of food, beverages and activities you perform while on omeprazole unless you have specific instructions from your doctor. The medication has the possibility of increasing the effects of medications like diazepam (Valium), phenytoin (Dilantin) and warfarin (Coumadin) as it prevents the metabolism of these drugs in the liver. The absorption of certain medications could be affected because of Omeprazole or other PPIs causing alterations to their actions and effects. Examples of such medications include ketaconazole (Nizoral) and digoxin (Lanoxin).

Probable Adverse Effects

Omeprazole is well tolerated by the body. The possible side effects one might observe include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nausea, dizziness and rashes. Some less frequently seen side effects might include heart irregularities, nervousness, water retention, weakness, muscle aches and cramps in the lower extremities.

Additional Information

It is essential to seek immediate medical help if you suffer from severe allergic reactions from taking the drug. Also immediately avoid taking any more omeprazole medication. If you experience some minor side effects such as headache, diarrhea, itching, dizziness, increase in gas, drowsiness or bloating inform your doctor but continue to take the medication unless otherwise instructed.

You might also suffer from side effects that are not mentioned in the above list of side effects. Inform your doctor about such side effects if they are persistent or bothersome.