Medications and Drugs
Brand Names: Prilosec, Prilosec OTCGeneric Name: omeprazole (Pronunciation: oh MEP ra zol)
What is omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)?Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Omeprazole is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid). Omeprazole may also be given together with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Omeprazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What are the possible side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What is the most important information I should know about omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)?Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, dizziness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and a general ill feeling. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease or liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms. Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the condition is completely treated. Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours. Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prilosec OTC. Call your doctor if you have additional symptoms and need treatment before the 4 months has passed. Next Page: (Page 1 of 3) |
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Heartburn and GERD Medications »
What Is Heartburn/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
- Heartburn is an uncomfortable but common feeling of burning or warmth in the chest. Although the pain associated with heartburn is felt in the chest, it has nothing to do with your heart. Instead, heartburn is caused by stomach acid.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes your esophagus to be irritated and inflamed because of acid backing up from your stomach.
What Causes Heartburn/GERD?
The food you swallow travels from your mouth to your stomach through a hollow tube doctors call the esophagus (the food pipe). Before entering the stomach, food must pass through a tight muscle at the lower part of your esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES prevents food from traveling backward into the esophagus.
Once in the stomach, stomach acid digests your food. This acid is very strong...
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