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Prilosec |
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What is Prilosec and why is it prescribed? Prilosec is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and erosive esophagitis, and for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Prilosec 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, and systemic mastocytosis. Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Prilosec is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori. Prilosec's healing effect can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility. How should you take Prilosec? Follow your doctors directions for taking Prilosec. Prilosec works best when taken before meals. Prilosec 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 Prilosec 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 this drug. It may take several days for Prilosec 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 two doses at once. Store Prilosec at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture. Are there any Prilosec side effects? Prilosec side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Prilosec side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less common or rare Prilosec side effects may include abdominal swelling, abnormal dreams, aggression, anemia, anxiety, apathy, back pain, breast development in males, blood in urine, changes in liver function, chest pain, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, difficulty sleeping, discolored feces, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, fever, fluid retention and swelling, fluttery heartbeat, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hallucinations, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, irritable colon, itching, joint and leg pain, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscle cramps and pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, pain in testicles, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, skin inflammation, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, stomach tumors, taste distortion, tingling or pins and needles, throat pain, tremors, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, vertigo, weakness, weight gain, and yellow eyes and skin. When taken with Biaxin, side effects also may include flu symptoms, nasal inflammation, sore throat, taste alteration, and tongue discoloration. When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects also may include diarrhea, headache, and taste alteration. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Prilosec? If Prilosec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prilosec with Ampicillin-containing drugs (such as Unasyn), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Diazepam (Valium), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Iron, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Phenytoin (Dilantin), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Prilosec? Long-term use of Prilosec can cause severe stomach inflammation. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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