Why it is Prescribed
Prescription omeprazole is used alone or with other medications to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach), and erosive esophagitis (swelling and wearing away of the lining of the esophagus). Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori(a bacteria that causes ulcers) and possibly prevent new ulcers from developing in patients who have or have had ulcers of the small intestine. Omeprazole powder for suspension (to be ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Prescription omeprazole is used alone or with other medications to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach), and erosive esophagitis (swelling and wearing away of the lining of the esophagus). Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori(a bacteria that causes ulcers) and possibly prevent new ulcers from developing in patients who have or have had ulcers of the small intestine. Omeprazole powder for suspension (to be mixed with water) is also used to prevent bleeding ...
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How it Works
Omeprazole comes as a delayed-release capsule, a nonprescription delayed-release tablet, a powder for suspension, and a regular capsule. The powder and regular capsule also contain sodium bicarbonate, a medication that decreases the amount of acid in the stomach and helps omeprazole to work quickly. The delayed-release capsules are usually taken once a day before a meal, but may be taken twice a day when used with other medications to eliminate H. pylori or up to three times a day when used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. The capsules are usually taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach one hour before a meal. The powder is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach one hour before a meal either in the morning or ...
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Notification
[Posted August 09, 2007] FDA issued an early communication about the ongoing review of new safety data for the proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium). The new safety data was from two small long-term clinical studies in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In both studies, patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with a drug (either omeprazole or esomeprazole) or to have surgery to control their GERD.
The results from the study of omeprazole and analyses from an ongoing study of esomeprazole raised concerns that long-term use of omeprazole or esomeprazole may have increased the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and heart-related sudden death in those patients taking either one of the drugs compared to patients who received surgery. After reviewing these and other data submitted by the company, FDA's preliminary conclusion at this time, is that collectively, these data do not suggest ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
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Precautions
Before taking omeprazole,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to omeprazole,esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), any other medications,or any of the ingredients in the type of omeprazole you will be taking. Ask your pharmacist or check the package label for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: ampicillin (in Principen, in Unasyn);anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); atazanavir (Reyataz); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); diazepam (Valium); digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)disulfiram (Antabuse); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications for anxiety and seizures;phenytoin (Dilantin); sedatives; sleeping pills; tacrolimus (Prograf); tranquilizers; and vitamins or supplements containing iron. If you will be taking the regular ...
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Possible Side Effects
Omeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
dizziness
cough
back pain
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Special Dietary Concerns
If you will be taking the regular capsules or the powder, your doctor may tell you to limit the amount of milk and other foods and drinks that are high in calcium that you eat and drink during your treatment. Follow these instructions carefully.
If you will be taking any other form of omeprazole, continue your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light,excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
