What is Prilosec?
Prilosec is a medication which is used to treat the pain from stomach acid reflux, gastric ulcer disease, and erosive esophagitis. These diseases are commonly referred to as heartburn. Prilosec has been used for many years safely and effectively to treat the symptoms of pain and burning from persistent heartburn. Prilosec has been proven effective in combination therapy with antibiotics to cure patients with ulcers caused by the germ H. pylori.
How does Prilosec work?
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor and actually can decrease the amount of acid production in the stomach by stopping the pumps in the stomach which produce acid in the first place.
Can I take an antacid with Prilosec?
Yes, antacids can be taken with Prilosec and often can help add to Prilosec's effectiveness.
How do I take Prilosec?
The usual dose for Prilosec is 20 mg once daily. Prilosec works best when taken before meals and the capsules should be swallowed whole, not open, crushed, or chewed. If you have difficulty swallowing Prilosec capsules, you can empty the contents of Prilosec into a teaspoon of applesauce and swallow it with a large glass of cold water.
When will I start seeing results with Prilosec?
Most people see results almost immediately and often ulcers will heal within four weeks, although some patients will require an additional four weeks of Prilosec therapy as directed by their doctor.
How do I take Prilosec if I am being treated for H. pylori?
In combination therapy with Biaxin, the usual dosage of Prilosec is 40 mg once daily with 500 mg of Biaxin three times daily for 14 days, followed by 20 mg of Prilosec daily for an additional 14 days. Treatment with amoxicillin is a bit different: The recommended dosage of Prilosec is 20 mg per day with 500 mg of Biaxin and 1,000 mg of amoxicillin twice daily for ten days, followed by 20 mg of Prilosec once daily for 18 days. This regimen has been proven to significantly decrease the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby significantly decreasing the chances for ulcer development and its complications which can include bleeding and cancer. Prilosec can also be used for gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as common heartburn. The usual dose for people with symptoms of GERD is 20 mg daily for up to four weeks. Most people are healed at this time, but should consider the doctor if they wish to continue taking Prilosec beyond a four-week period. Prilosec is not recommended for children or long-term use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Prilosec, take it as soon as you remember missing a dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dosage you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Is there anyone who should avoid taking Prilosec?
Yes, although Prilosec has been proven safe and effective, those with the possibility of stomach cancer such as chronic bleeding, weight loss, or a positive family history of cancer should consult with their doctor prior to considering taking Prilosec.
Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, vomiting, alterations in sense of taste, changes in liver function, constipation, cough, fluid retention, and weight gain. Women who take Prilosec should not breast feed while using this medication as it is not known whether or not Prilosec passes into breast milk.
Please consult a doctor for a complete list of drug interactions and precautions and complete our patient profile form to see if Prilosec is right for you.
Related Categories:
Stomach
Related Medications:
Aciphex, Protonix
