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|Omeprazole Omeprazole

Omeprazole

Generic name: Omeprazole
Brand names: Prilosec

Why is Omeprazole prescribed?

Omeprazole is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:

• Stomach ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
• Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the throat to the stomach).

It is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of conditions in which too much stomach acid is secreted, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells).

Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Omeprazole is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori.

In addition, Omeprazole is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. However, Omeprazole OTC is approved only for frequent heartburn (occurs two or more days a week). The prescription version is still needed for treatment of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that require monitoring by a doctor.

Most important fact about Omeprazole

Omeprazole"s healing effect can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility.

How should you take Omeprazole?

Omeprazole works best when taken before meals. It can be taken with an antacid.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. It should not be opened, chewed, or crushed.

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can empty the contents of the Omeprazole capsule onto a tablespoonful of applesauce, mix, and swallow with a glass of cool water. Use cool, soft applesauce and do not chew or crush the pellets. Use the mixture immediately. Do not store it for future use.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking Omeprazole.

It may take several days for Omeprazole to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage information...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Omeprazole.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting

• When taken with Biaxin, side effects may also include:
  Flu symptoms, nasal inflammation, sore throat, taste alteration, tongue discoloration

• When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects may also include:
  Diarrhea, headache, taste alteration

Why should Omeprazole not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Omeprazole or any of its ingredients, you should not take Omeprazole. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

You should avoid the Omeprazole/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap.

Special warnings about Omeprazole

Long-term use of Omeprazole can cause severe stomach inflammation.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Omeprazole

If Omeprazole is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Omeprazole with the following:

Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Diazepam (Valium)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Iron
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Omeprazole during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Avoid combined therapy with Biaxin unless there is no alternative. Omeprazole (and Biaxin) may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Omeprazole is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Omeprazole is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Short-term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer

The usual dose is 20 milligrams once a day. Most people heal within 4 weeks, although some require an additional 4 weeks of Omeprazole therapy.

Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers Caused by H. Pylori

In combination therapy with Biaxin alone, the usual dosage is 40 milligrams of Omeprazole once daily and 500 milligrams of Biaxin 3 times a day for 14 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Omeprazole once daily for an additional 14 days.

If amoxicillin is included in the treatment, the recommended dosage is 20 milligrams of Omeprazole, 500 milligrams of Biaxin, and 1,000 milligrams of amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Omeprazole once daily for an additional 18 days.

Gastric Ulcer

The usual dose is 40 milligrams once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The usual dose for people with symptoms of GERD is 20 milligrams daily for up to 4 weeks. For erosive esophagitis accompanied by GERD symptoms, the usual dose is 20 milligrams a day for 4 to 8 weeks.

The dose may be continued to maintain healing.

Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions

The usual starting dose is 60 milligrams once a day. If you take more than 80 milligrams a day, your doctor will divide the total into smaller doses. The dosing will be based on your needs.

CHILDREN 2 TO 16 YEARS OLD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Acid-Related Disorders

For children weighing less than 44 pounds, the usual dose is 10 milligrams a day. For those weighing 44 pounds or more, the usual dose is 20 milligrams a day. For children with erosive esophagitis, your doctor will determine the correct dose based on the child"s weight.

The safety and effectiveness of Omeprazole have not been studied in children under 2 years old.

Overdosage

Overdose with Omeprazole has been rare, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Omeprazole overdose may include:
  Blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, vomiting