What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Omeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Omeprazole 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about omeprazole?
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
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, or low levels of magnesium in your blood.
Omeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.
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.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours.
Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prilosec OTC. Call your doctor if you have additional symptoms and need treatment before the 4 months has passed.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omeprazole?
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
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, or if you have low levels of magnesium in your blood.
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 1 year old without the advice of a doctor.