Uses
Omeprazole(Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor which works by absorbing into the blood stream and eventually acting on the K+/H+ ATPase pump which secretes stomach acid from the stomach’s parietal cells. It is effective in the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other conditions.
How to Use
Take this medication with water 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
If this medication is being taken without a prescription, take it once per day at the same time every day. Do not take it for longer than 14 days. Do not repeat the treatment more than one time every 4 months (no more than 14 days of taking omeprazole every 4 months).
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
Do not crush or chew.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
It may take a few days before this medication begins to work. Taking a medication such as tums can relieve heartburn at its onset until this medication starts working.
Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
If you develop diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days while on this medication, contact your healthcare provider, do not self treat diarrhea while taking this medication.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Tarry or bloody stools, have had heartburn for more than 3 months, if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating, liver disease, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, trouble or pain when swallowing, weight loss, vomiting with blood, wheezing, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, yellowish skin or eyes, stomach upset, excessive fatigue, unexplained or excessive bleeding or bruising, tremors, muscle spasms, fever, sore throat, lightheadedness or fainting, heart beat changes(increased heart rate), chest pain, bone or joint pain, dizziness.
Other Side Effects
Adult Dose
Gastroesophageal reflux diseaes(heartburn)
20 mg by mouth once daily. If the condition has occurred more than once or is not improved the dose may be increase to 20 mg by mouth twice daily.
Active Duodenal Ulcer Disease
20 mg by mouth once daily for 4 weeks(the therapy may be extended an additional 4 weeks according to patient response).
H. Pylori Gastrointestinal Tract Infection(Active Duodenal Ulcer Disease)
Dual Therapy: 40 mg by mouth once daily taken with clarythromycin 500 mg by mouth 3 times daily for 14 days. If an ulcer is detected upon initiation of this therapy, the omeprazole dose is extended an additional 14 days.
Triple Therapy: 20 mg by mouth twice daily taken with clarythromycin 500 mg by mouth 3 times daily and amoxicillin 1000 mg by mouth twice daily for between 10- 14 days.If an ulcer is detected upon initiation of this therapy, the omeprazole dose is extended an additional 18 days.
Triple Therapy: 20 mg by mouth twice daily taken with clarythromycin 500 mg and metronidazole 500 mg by mouth 2 times daily for 10- 14 days.
Quadruple Therapy: 20 mg by mouth twice daily taken WITH metronidazole 250 mg, bismuth subsalicylate 525 mg AND tetracycline 500 mg by mouth 4 times daily for 10-14 days.
Sources
1. Prilosec ® oral delayed-release capsules, omeprazole oral delayed-release capsules[package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca LP (per FDA); 2016.
2. Chey WD, Wong BC, & Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology: American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol 2007; 102(8):1808-1825.
