WHAT IS Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• Prilosec/Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.
• Prilosec/Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
• Prilosec/Omeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of an Prilosec/omeprazole overdose include drowsiness, seizures, shortness of breath, and decreased body temperature.
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• Dilantin/phenytoin
• diazepam
• doxercalciferol
• Principen/ampicillin
• Coumadin/warfarin
• iron salts
• Lanoxin/digoxin
• Sporanox/itraconazole, Nizoral/ketoconazole, voriconazole or other prescription medicines for fungus or yeast infections

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A 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.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• It is not known whether Prilosec/omeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take Prilosec/omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Do not use over-the-counter Prilosec/omeprazole ( Prilosec OTC) without first talking to your doctor if you have
  • bloody or black stools;
  • frequent chest pain;
  • stomach pain.
  • had heartburn for over 3 months;
  • heartburn with sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest, shoulder, neck, jaw, or arm pain;
  • vomiting blood;
  • trouble or pain with swallowing;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • heartburn with wheezing;
  • nausea or vomiting; or
• Prilosec/Omeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Prilosec/omeprazole will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prilosec/omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Your doctor should evaluate your condition before taking over-the-counter Prilosec/omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Before taking Prilosec/omeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take Prilosec/omeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with Prilosec/omeprazole.
• Take Zegerid oral powder for reconstitution on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal. Empty the contents of the packet into a small cup containing 2 tablespoons of water. Do not use other liquids or foods. Stir the contents and drink immediately. Refill the cup with water and drink.
• Take Prilosec/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.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the over-the-counter Prilosec/omeprazole tablets (Prilosec OTC). Swallow them whole.
• Store Prilosec/omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Prilosec/Omeprazole is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, the prescription Prilosec/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 Prilosec/omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
• It is important to take Prilosec/omeprazole regularly to get the most benefit.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Prilosec/omeprazole and seek emergency medical attention.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prilosec/omeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • drowsiness, dizziness, or headache;
  • itching.
  • diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating; or
• 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.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Prilosec/Omeprazole?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Prilosec/omeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.