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Prilosec >> prescription drug information
Generic Name: OMEPRAZOLE |
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What is prilosec? PRILOSEC is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach), and erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents into the canal leading 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. 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 to 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. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking this drug. 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.
who should this drug 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. Also, You should avoid the PRILOSEC/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane. SPECIAL WARNINGS Long-term use of this drug can cause severe stomach inflammation. 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 this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished. POSSIBLE FOOD/DRUG INTERACTIONS 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: 1.) Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn
When taking the PRILOSEC/Biaxin combination treatment, it's best to avoid the hay-fever remedy Hismanal. 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. More common side effects may include:
Less common or rare side effects may include:
When taken with Biaxin, side effects also may include:
When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects also may include:
OVERDOSE 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:
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