What
To Know
Do not stop taking omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
What
Is It
Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole
is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or
heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid
production. Omeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
Before
Using
Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any
type of liver disease. You may not be able to take omeprazole, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. Omeprazole
is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether omeprazole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take omeprazole
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether omeprazole
passes into breast milk. Do not take omeprazole without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How
To Use
Take omeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces)
of water. Omeprazole is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's
instructions. If you have difficulty swallowing, the omeprazole capsules
can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce.
The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed
immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough
to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed
or crushed. The pellet / applesauce mixture should not be stored for
later use. Follow with a drink of water. Do not stop taking omeprazole
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before
the condition is fully treated. Store omeprazole at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
Missed
Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next
regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication
unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Over
Dose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an omeprazole overdose
include drowsiness, seizures, shortness of breath, and decreased body
temperature.
Side
Effects
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop
taking omeprazole and seek emergency medical attention. Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
omeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience · drowsiness,
dizziness, or headache; · diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating;
or · itching. Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome
Precautions
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while
taking omeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drug
Interactions
Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of
the following medicines · warfarin (Coumadin); · digoxin
(Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); · a medicine for insomnia or anxiety
such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan),
temazepam (Restoril), clorazepate (Tranxene), chlordiazepoxide (Librium),
and others; · cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); · phenytoin
(Dilantin); · theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair,
Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others); · itraconazole (Sporanox)
or ketoconazole (Nizoral); · ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
or · iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). You
may not be able to take omeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with omeprazole.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
