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What is Prilosec? |
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Drug Uses
Prilosec can significantly reduce the levels of stomach acid production. It is used as a treatment for the signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or of other various conditions which are caused by excessive amounts of acid within the stomach. The medication may also be used to promote the recovery of erosive esophagitis, an injury on the esophagus which is primarily caused by stomach acid build-up. Prilosec can also be provided in combination with antibiotics, for treating gastric ulcers caused by bacterial infection (H. pylori).
How to Take Prisolec
Prilosec capsules are usually taken at 24-hour intervals, for a treatment period of two weeks. Do not repeat the treatment course within four months of the last intake, and don’t take it for more than two weeks unless otherwise instructed. Swallow the pill whole without chewing or breaking it; if you find it difficult to ingest the capsule, open it and sprinkle the substance into spoon of applesauce or cottage cheese. Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing the grains.
Drug Precautions
The medication should not be administered to provide relief from heartburn symptoms. Prisolec is also available as a non-prescription drug; take this medicine only once a day, and ensure that a 24-hour interval lapses before you take each dose. It may take four days before you obtain the full effect of the medication, but even if your symptoms improve, maintain your intake for the entire length of the treatment period. Do not adjust your doses or intake schedule without prior instruction. Do not take Prisolec if you bear an allergic reaction with any or all of its ingredients.
Drug Interaction
Taking the following drugs while you are under treatment with Prilosec may interact with the latter’s effectiveness: cyclosporine; blood thinners, like warfarin; atazanavir, digoxin, theophylline, or disulfiram; tacrolimus, phenytoin, iron, or fluconazole; medications for insomnia or anxiety, including diazepam, alprazolam, clorazepate, and lorazepam; and ampicillin. This list is not all-inclusive, and it is possible that the medication (including dietary and herbal supplements) which you are currently taking may interact adversely with Prisolec.
Side Effects
An intake of Prisolec can lead to symptoms of diarrhea or constipation during the initial days of treatment, or to headaches, gas, stomach pains, dizziness, and a lack of appetite. These usually dissipate with continued use, but if the effects continue or worsen, notify your doctor. Less common effects may involve pain in your back or joints, agitation, sleep disorders, infrequent urination, problems with your vision, chest pains, or a sudden, unusual thirst.
Missed Dose
Take a missed dose immediately, so long as the succeeding dose in your intake schedule is not yet due. Otherwise, skip over the missed dose, and follow through with your dosing schedule.
Overdose
If you feel that you have taken Prilosec in excess (as evidenced by symptoms like blurry vision, seizures, vexation, and profuse sweating), contact the nearest poison control facility or emergency room at once.
Storage
Store Prilosec within maintained room temperatures of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
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