What is Prilosec?

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Prilosec is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Prilosec is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid). Prilosec may also be given together with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcer caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily before a meal. This medication may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• If you are taking this medication by mouth, empty the contents of a packet into a container with 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 milliliters) of water. Check the manufacturer package directions for the proper amount of water to use for your dose. Stir the mixture well and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Stir again and drink all of the mixture within 30 minutes. If any medication remains in the container, add more water, stir, and drink right away to make sure you take the entire dose. Do not crush or chew the medication granules. Doing so may destroy the drug.
• If you are giving this medication through a nasogastric or gastric tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.
• If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take omeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lupus.

Also be aware that:

• Heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss and fractures (see above), and Clostridium difficile infection (see Side Effects section).
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially fever, cough, and infections of the nose/throat/airways.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Headache or abdominal pain may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures), signs of lupus (such as rash on nose and cheeks, new or worsening joint pain).
• This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of bacteria. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, fever, blood/mucus in your stool.
• Rarely, proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if they are taken every day for a long time (3 years or longer). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (such as unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Prilosec?

A: Omeprazole can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.