Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Prilosec.
Chemical Name: OMEPRAZOLE (o-MEP-ra-zole)
Prilosec 40mg is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by blocking acid production in the stomach. Prilosec 40mg may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Prilosec 40mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE PRILOSEC 40mg if you are also taking dasatinib or certain HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, nelfinavir). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ampicillins, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, voriconazole), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), cilostazol, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, digoxin, disulfiram, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, saquinavir), iron, mycophenolate, phenytoin, tacrolimus, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, dasatinib, erlotinib). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems, stomach or bowel cancer, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis (weak bones), a family history of osteoporosis, or other risk factors of osteoporosis (eg, smoking, poor nutrition). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking Prilosec 40mg.
Follow the directions for using Prilosec 40mg provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, crush, or open the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing Prilosec 40mg whole, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken as directed. Do not chew the food/medicine mixture or make-up a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. After taking the drug/applesauce mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the medicine. Take Prilosec 40mg by mouth at least 1 hour before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Prilosec 40mg may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Use Prilosec 40mg regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. STORE PRILOSEC 40mg at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP PRILOSEC 40mg out of the reach of children and away from pets. CONTINUE TAKING PRILOSEC 40mg even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF PRILOSEC 40mg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE PRILOSEC 40mg if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use Prilosec 40mg for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING PRILOSEC 40mg without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Prilosec 40mg. PRILOSEC 40mg MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Prilosec 40mg. Prilosec 40mg may cause drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Prilosec 40mg. Using Prilosec 40mg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF A BLEEDING ULCER, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing. PRILOSEC 40mg MAY INCREASE THE RISK of hip, wrist, and spine fractures in patients with weak bones (osteoporosis). The risk may be greater if you use Prilosec 40mg in high doses, for longer than a year, or if you are older than 50 years old. Contact your doctor if you have any questions about this information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING PRILOSEC 40mg IN ASIAN PATIENTS because the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Prilosec 40mg during pregnancy. PRILOSEC 40mg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Prilosec 40mg.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using Prilosec 40mg include diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bone pain; chest pain; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision changes; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to Prilosec 40mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Prilosec
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, flushing, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, unusual sweating, blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.
If you are taking Prilosec 40mg for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE PRILOSEC 40mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE PRILOSEC 40mg for other health conditions. KEEP PRILOSEC 40mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING PRILOSEC 40mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.