Drug Name

Omeprazole

Drug Uses

Omeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. It 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 is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Omeprazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Use Omeprazole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Omeprazole by mouth on an empty stomach before eating.

Swallow Omeprazole whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open Omeprazole before swallowing.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to an empty bowl. Open the capsule and empty the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture at once, followed by a glass of cool water. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed with out chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets. Do not store the mixture for further use.

You may take antacids while you are using Omeprazole, if you are directed to do so by your doctor.

If you also take an imidazole antifungal (eg, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Omeprazole.

If you also take sucralfate, take Omeprazole at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.

Continue to take Omeprazole even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to omeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take omeprazole if you have liver disease or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests.

Do not use over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) without the advice of a doctor if you have:

• trouble or pain with swallowing;
• bloody or black stools;
• vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
• heartburn that has lasted for over 3 months;
• frequent chest pain;
• heartburn with wheezing;
• unexplained weight loss;
• nausea or vomiting; or
• stomach pain.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have taken the medication long term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. It is not clear whether omeprazole is the actual cause of an increased risk of fracture. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether omeprazole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Omeprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking omeprazole. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to omeprazole: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious omeprazole side effects may include:

• stomach pain, gas;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• headache.

More Information

Your pharmacist can provide more information about omeprazole.