What is Prilosec

What is Prilosec (omeprazole)? It belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole helps to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Prilosec is often used for in the treatment for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. It is also used to help the healing of erosive esophagitis.

Prilosec can also be given together with other antibiotics to treat gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Prilosec is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms and may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prilosec is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms. Some conditions are treated in combination of Prilosec and other antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor and read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Without your doctor’s advice, never change your doses or medication schedule

If you happen to be allergic to omeprazole or any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole or mebendazole, you should not take Prilosec.

Check out with your pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Prilosec – if you have liver disease or heart disease, or low levels of magnesium in your blood, Prilosec OTC should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full the effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours.

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.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec might 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 prilosec 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).

So make sure that you ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Prilosec if you have liver disease or heart disease you may need a dose adjustment or special tests.

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