Brand name:

Prilosec

Why is Prilosec prescribed?

Prilosec is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:

• Stomach ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
• Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the throat to the stomach).

It is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of conditions in which too much stomach acid is secreted, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells).

Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Prilosec is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori.

In addition, Prilosec is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. However, Prilosec OTC is approved only for frequent heartburn (occurs two or more days a week). The prescription version is still needed for treatment of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that require monitoring by a doctor.

Most important fact about Prilosec

Prilosec's healing effect can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility.

How should you take Prilosec?

Prilosec works best when taken before meals. It can be taken with an antacid.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. It should not be opened, chewed, or crushed.

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can empty the contents of the Prilosec capsule onto a tablespoonful of applesauce, mix, and swallow with a glass of cool water. Use cool, soft applesauce and do not chew or crush the pellets. Use the mixture immediately. Do not store it for future use.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking Prilosec.

It may take several days for Prilosec to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage information...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture.

Prilosec side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prilosec.

• Side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting

• When taken with Biaxin, side effects may also include:
  Flu symptoms, nasal inflammation, sore throat, taste alteration, tongue discoloration

• When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects may also include:
  Diarrhea, headache, taste alteration

Why should Prilosec not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Prilosec or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

You should avoid the Prilosec/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap.

Special warnings about Prilosec

Long-term use of Prilosec can cause severe stomach inflammation.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prilosec

If Prilosec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prilosec with the following:

Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Diazepam (Valium)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Iron
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Prilosec during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Avoid combined therapy with Biaxin unless there is no alternative. Prilosec (and Biaxin) may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Prilosec is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Prilosec is finished.

Recommended dosage for Prilosec

ADULTS

Overdosage

Overdose with Prilosec has been rare, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Prilosec overdose may include:
  Blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, vomiting