omeprazole Health Article

Generic name(s):

omeprazole

Brand name(s):

Prilosec, Prilosec OTC

What is the most important information I should know about omeprazole?

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease or liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

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.

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

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.

What is omeprazole?

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

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

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or 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. Omeprazole may be harmful to an unborn baby. 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.