Warnings & Recalls for Prilosec
Warning
Prilosec
may increase the possibility of
bone fracture of the hip, wrist or spine, especially in patients using Prilosec for
long periods of time or
in large amounts, and
older patients. Be sure to notify your doctor if you have
osteoporosis or any other bone deficiency.
Prilosec and Pregnancy
Prilosec is listed as an FDA
pregnancy Category C medication. It is
not known whether Prilosec can
harm the fetus or not if taken during
pregnancy. However, there have been cases reported of
birth defects in newborns of mothers who had taken Prilosec while pregnant. It is
unknown if Prilosec may be passed through
breast-milk to a nursing baby. Before taking Prilosec, it is important to
let your doctor know if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Prilosec Drug Interactions
In
2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a
warning about the interaction of
Prilosec with
Plavix. If these two drugs are taken simultaneously, the
ability of Plavix to
reduce blood clots may be
decreased.
Prilosec could interact with
several different medications. It is important to
tell your doctor about all drugs you are taking,
especially blood thinners such as
Warfarin, HIV or AIDS treatments, diuretics, antifungals, antibiotics, pain killers, medicines for preventing strokes, seizures and heart attacks, tuberculosis medicines, and cilostazol, , cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, or tacrolimus.
General Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking Prilosec:
- any allergies, particularly to ingredients in Prilosec
- a history of liver disease or heart disease
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- any serious medical conditions
Let your healthcare provider know if you are currently using any other medications, treatments, vitamins, supplements or herbal products.
Prilosec Treatment and Use
Prilosec | Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor class medication marketed by AstraZeneca for treating and reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or the buildup of acid in the stomach or esophagus. Prilosec may be used alone or with other antibiotics and is commonly used to treat:
Prilosec does not relieve immediate symptoms of indigestion.
How Does Prilosec Work?
Prilosec works by inhibiting the function of enzymes inside stomach walls to produce acid. This prevents these enzymes from increasing acid levels to excessive amounts, which may cause damage to the lining of the stomach and esophagus.
Prilosec Dosage Information
Prilosec is given in tablet, capsule, delayed-release, and powder for oral suspension (liquid) form. Prilosec should be swallowed before meals or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take a different amount than recommended and do not end treatment until your doctor instructs you to do so.
Prilosec OTC tablets should not be broken before use. Swallow whole with a glass of water in the morning before eating. Do not take more than one tablet in a day. Prilosec OTC may be taken for a maximum of two weeks. Wait four months before starting another treatment using Prilosec.
For powder form of Prilosec for oral suspension dissolve in water. If you are using the 2.5 mg packet, add 1 teaspoon of water, for 10mg use 1 Tablespoon of water. Let the solution sit for 2 or 3 full minutes then stir and drink immediately. To ensure that all the powder is consumed, add more water and drink. Ask your doctor about using a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube to take the oral suspension.
If you are unable to swallow the capsules, you may open them and dispense the powder into a spoonful of applesauce. Consume right away without biting down and dispose of the capsule.
