Salient Aspects Of Prilosec

Prilosec was first approved for use by the FDA in 1989, while Prilosec OTC was approved for use in 2003, as an over-the-counter medication.

Both Prilosec OTC and prescription Prilosec contain the active ingredient omeprazole. Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach, especially during the digestion process. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and is the generic name for Prilosec.

Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease or as it more commonly known as GERD, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome; excessive acidity in the stomach, and certain forms of cancer. It works by blocking the enzymes that cause the production of acids in the stomach, and helps to heal the stomach, esophagus, and/or intestines.

It is important to remember to take Prilosec even when one is feeling better and not to stop it without first consulting the doctor. Also inform your doctor if you have had any type of liver disease, before you start taking this medication, as you may not be able to take it or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

Drugs that can affect omeprazole include; warfarin, digoxin, medications for insomnia or anxiety such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Restoril; cyclosporine, phenytoin, theophylline, itraconazole, ampicillin and iron tablets. Omeprazole potentially can increase concentrations in blood of Valium, Coumadin and Dilantin in the blood by decreasing its elimination by the liver.

It is important to inform your health care practitioner or doctor if you frequently drink alcohol or caffeine and if you smoke or use illegal drugs, as the working of omeprazole in the body can be affected.

Omeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown if omeprazole can be harmful to an unborn baby, or whether it passes into breast milk.

This medicine is usually well tolerated by most people and some common side effects include; diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, headaches, rash and gas.

Stop taking medication immediately and consult your doctor if any of these serious side effects occur;

• blood in the urine
• chest pain or tightness
• dark yellow or light brown urine
• difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering or peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth
• shortness of breath
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellowing of the eyes and skin

Prilosec OTC

Like is predecessor, Prilosec OTC is also used to treat frequent heartburn. By frequent, it is meant that you get heartburn more than 3 days a week. This medication is not meant for occasional heartburn.

As it is a non-prescription drug, care must be exercised with its usage, please read and follow the instruction given on its label carefully. Prilosec OTC only treats symptoms of heartburn, and does not treat the conditions that the prescribed Prilosec treats.

The results of this medication cannot be seen immediately and usually take 1-4 days to occur. Once you are feeling better you can stop taking this medication. A standard course of Prilosec OTC lasts 14 days, and should be taken regularly every day.

Do not take this medicine if;

• You only have occasional heartburn.
• You have one episode of heartburn a week.
• You want immediate relief from heartburn.

Also do not take Prilosec OTC if;

• you are allergic to omeprazole
• or you take warfarin, a blood thinner
• you take prescription antifungal or anti-yeast medicines &
• you take anxiety or heart medication

Prilosec should not be confused with any other over-the-counter medications for heartburn such as Zantac or Pepacid, as it works differently and is not meant for providing immediate relief although in some cases relief may occur within 24 hours.

Possible side effects from Prilosec OTC include;

• headaches
• diarrhea
• constipation
• upset stomach
• cough and cold symptoms
• dizziness &
• rash