Brand Names: Prilosec, Prilosec OTC

Generic Name: omeprazole (Pronunciation: oh MEP ra zol)

• What is omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• What are the possible side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• What is the most important information I should know about omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• How should I take omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Prilosec)?
• What happens if I overdose (Prilosec)?
• What should I avoid while taking omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• What other drugs will affect omeprazole (Prilosec)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is omeprazole (Prilosec)?

Omeprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Omeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Omeprazole is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Omeprazole may also be given together with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Omeprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Omeprazole 10 mg-MYL

green, imprinted with MYLAN 5211

Omeprazole 10 mg-TEV

brown/lavender, imprinted with 081, IMPAX10

Omeprazole 20 mg-APO

pink, imprinted with APO, 020

Omeprazole 20 mg-KU

gold/white, imprinted with KU 118

Omeprazole 20 mg-MYL

dark green/light green, imprinted with MYLAN 6150

Omeprazole 20 mg-TEV

purple, imprinted with 082, IMPAX 20

Prilosec 10 mg

pink/purple, imprinted with 606, PRILOSEC 10

Prilosec 20 mg

purple, imprinted with 607, PRILOSEC 20

Prilosec 40 mg

pink/purple, imprinted with 743, PRILOSEC 40

What are the possible side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms of low magnesium:

• dizziness, confusion;
• fast or uneven heart rate;
• jerking muscle movements;
• feeling jittery;
• muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• cough or choking feeling; or
• seizure.

Less serious side effects may include:

• fever;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• stomach pain, gas;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Prilosec (omeprazole) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about 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, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to omeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take omeprazole if you have liver disease or heart disease, or low levels of magnesium in your blood.

Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. 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.