Prilosec (Omeprazole) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) »

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach (gastritis) in humans. This bacterium also is considered as a common cause of ulcers worldwide; as many as 90% of people with ulcers have detectable organisms.

H. pylori infection is most likely acquired by ingesting contaminated food and water, and through person to person contact. In the United States, about 30% of the adult population is infected (50% of infected persons are infected by the age of 60), but the prevalence of infection is decreasing because there is increasing awareness about the infection, and treatment is common. About 50% of the world population is estimated to have detectable H. pylori in their gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, but stomach, mainly).

The infection is more common in crowded living conditions with poor sanitation. In countries with poor sanit...

Read the Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) article »

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Prilosec Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omeprazole (Prilosec)?

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, dizziness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and a general ill feeling.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to omeprazole.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using this medicine if you have heart disease or liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Do not use over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) without the advice of a doctor if you have:

trouble or pain with swallowing;
bloody or black stools;
vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
heartburn that has lasted for over 3 months;
frequent chest pain;
heartburn with wheezing;
unexplained weight loss;
nausea or vomiting; or
stomach pain.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether omeprazole is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Omeprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child without your doctor's advice.

How should I take omeprazole (Prilosec)?

Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on the medicine label or on your prescription label.

Omeprazole is usually taken before eating. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.

You may open the delayed-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

Dissolve the powder in a small amount of water. Use 1 teaspoon of water for the 2.5-mg packet, or 1 Tablespoon of water for the 10-mg packet. Let the mixture stand for 2 or 3 minutes, then stir and drink right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. Take the medicine in the morning before you eat breakfast. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours.

Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prilosec OTC. Call your doctor if you have additional symptoms and need treatment before the 4 months has passed.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Prilosec OTC tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking this medicine.

Store omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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