Omeprazole, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: proton pump inhibitor (prevents acid production)

Generic and brand names: omeprazole, oral; Prilosec; Prilosec OTC; Zegerid Powder for Oral Solution

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), and erosive esophagitis. It blocks the production of stomach acid. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

This medicine, along with certain antibiotics, may also be used to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.

It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver disease.

Do not use the nonprescription form of this medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider if you have:

• black, tarry stools or if you ever vomit blood
• frequent chest pain
• heartburn that has come back for 3 months or more
• heartburn with wheezing, sweating, lightheadedness, or pain in the chest, shoulder, jaw, or arm
• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• trouble swallowing
• unexplained weight loss.

Tell your provider if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Take it for as long as directed, even if you feel better.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe this medicine along with an antibiotic. Take all medicines each day as prescribed.

This medicine comes in powder, capsules, or tablet form. The medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating. You may take it with food if it upsets your stomach. Take it at the same time each day.

Do not chew or crush the capsules or tablets. Swallow them whole. If you cannot swallow the capsules, open them and sprinkle the contents on applesauce that you can swallow without chewing. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not store it for later use.

If you have the powder form, empty the packet of medicine into a small cup containing 2 tablespoons of water. Do not use other liquids or foods. Stir well and drink right away. Refill cup with water and drink.

If you have the OTC form of this medicine, take it every day for 14 days. Do not take more than 1 tablet a day. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider. Do not take more than 1 course of treatment every 4 months.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

It may take several days for your stomach pain to improve. If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not take this medicine for other conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.

Do not give this medicine to someone who has similar symptoms. It may make it hard to recognize other medical problems.

Drinking alcohol and smoking may increase acid in your stomach. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bleeding or bruising, yellow skin or eyes, sores in mouth, extreme weakness.

Other: Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, rash, cough, constipation, back pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• atazanavir (Reyataz)
• benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and temazepam (Restoril
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• iron medicines (Feosol, Fero-Gradumet, Mol-Iron, Fem-Iron)
• itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• St. John's wort
• sucralfate (Carafate) (take this medicine at least 30 minutes before you take the Carafate)
• theophylline
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.