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Omeprazole

(other types of Omeprazole)
brand name(s): PriLOSEC (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Omeprazole

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Delayed Release Capsule
Chemical Name: OMEPRAZOLE (o-MEP-ra-zole)

Common uses
Omeprazole 20mg 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. Omeprazole 20mg 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.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Omeprazole 20mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ampicillin, cilostazol, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, voriconazole, or warfarin. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Omeprazole 20mg.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Omeprazole 20mg provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, crush, or open the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing Omeprazole 20mg 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 Omeprazole 20mg before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Omeprazole 20mg may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to omeprazole, it is best to take the omeprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use Omeprazole 20mg regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. STORE OMEPRAZOLE 20mg 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. CONTINUE TAKING OMEPRAZOLE 20mg even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF OMEPRAZOLE 20mg, 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.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE OMEPRAZOLE 20mg 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 Omeprazole 20mg for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING OMEPRAZOLE 20mg without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Omeprazole 20mg. Omeprazole 20mg may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Omeprazole 20mg. Using Omeprazole 20mg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING OMEPRAZOLE 20mg IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Omeprazole 20mg. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Omeprazole 20mg during pregnancy. OMEPRAZOLE 20mg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Omeprazole 20mg.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using Omeprazole 20mg include headache, constipation, cough, dizziness, or back pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual stomach pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mental or mood changes (such as depression or agitation), chest pain, or fast or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to Omeprazole 20mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. 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
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

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.

Additional information
If you are taking Omeprazole 20mg 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 OMEPRAZOLE 20mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE OMEPRAZOLE 20mg for other health conditions. KEEP OMEPRAZOLE 20mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING OMEPRAZOLE 20mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2010. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.
The name and strength of the drug discussed above has been provided for clarity by drugstore.com, inc. and without the express permission of Medi-Span, and Medi-Span makes no representation as to the accuracy of such additional information.