Brand name
: Losec (Prilosec)
Pronounced: PRY-low-sek
Generic name: Omeprazole
Why is Losec (Prilosec) prescribed?
Losec (Prilosec) is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks)
of the following:
* Stomach ulcer
* Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
* Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
* Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known
as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the
throat to the stomach).
It 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 (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells).
Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes
with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Losec (Prilosec) is also used to
cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H.
pylori.
In addition, Losec (Prilosec) is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
However, Losec (Prilosec) OTC is approved only for frequent heartburn (occurs
two or more days a week). The prescription version is still needed
for treatment of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that
require monitoring by a doctor.
Most important fact about Losec (Prilosec)
Losec (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 Losec (Prilosec) without a prescriptions?
Losec (Prilosec) works best when taken before meals. It 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 Losec (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 Losec (Prilosec).It may take several days for Losec (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 2 doses at once.
Storage information...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from
light and moisture.
Losec (Prilosec) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Losec (Prilosec).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting
* When taken with Biaxin, side effects may also include:
Flu symptoms, nasal inflammation, sore throat, taste alteration, tongue discoloration
* When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, side effects may also include:
Diarrhea, headache, taste alteration
Why should Losec (Prilosec) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Losec (Prilosec)
or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication. Make
sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
You should avoid the Losec (Prilosec)/Biaxin combination treatment if you
are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are
taking Orap.
Special warnings about Losec (Prilosec)
Long-term use of Losec (Prilosec) can cause severe stomach inflammation.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Losec (Prilosec)
If Losec (Prilosec) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Losec (Prilosec) with the following:
Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Diazepam (Valium)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Iron
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Losec (Prilosec) during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Avoid combined therapy with Biaxin unless there
is no alternative. Losec (Prilosec) (and Biaxin) may appear in breast milk
and could affect a nursing infant. If Losec (Prilosec) is essential to your
health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until
your treatment with Losec (Prilosec) is finished.
Recommended dosage for Losec (Prilosec)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Overdose with Losec (Prilosec) has been rare, but any medication taken in
excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek
medical attention immediately.
