Prilosec (Omeprazole)

Prilosec is used for treating heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It may also be used for short-term treatment of ulcers of the stomach or small intestines. It may also be used with certain antibiotics to treat ulcers of the small intestines and to help prevent them from coming back. It may also be used to treat conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Prilosec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Prilosec by mouth on an empty stomach before eating.
• Swallow Prilosec whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open Prilosec before swallowing.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to an empty bowl. Open the capsule and empty the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture at once, followed by a glass of cool water. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed with out chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets. Do not store the mixture for further use.
• You may take antacids while you are using Prilosec, if you are directed to do so by your doctor.
• If you also take an imidazole antifungal (eg, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Prilosec.
• If you also take sucralfate, take Prilosec at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
• Continue to take Prilosec even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Store at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep away from moisture and light.

Some medical conditions may interact with Prilosec. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver problems or stomach or bowel cancer

• Clarithromycin or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Prilosec side effects
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), cilostazol, cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, phenytoin, or tacrolimus because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Prilosec
• Ampicillins, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir), or iron because their effectiveness may be decreased by Prilosec.