Common
uses
This medicine is a proton pump
inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by blocking acid production in the
stomach. This medicine may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g.,
amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be
used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Delayed
Release Capsule
Chemical Name: OMEPRAZOLE (o-MEP-ra-zole)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ampicillin,
cilostazol, cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole,
ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, vorconizole, or warfarin. DO
NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform
your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, other
stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about
using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, crush,
or open the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing this medicine whole, the
capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken
as directed. Do not chew the food/medicine mixture or make-up a supply in
advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. After
taking the drug/applesauce mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure
complete swallowing of the medicine. Take this medicine before a meal, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with antacids if
your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. Potent acid-reducing medicines
such as omeprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as
other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If
instructed to take any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult your
doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if
you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to omeprazole, it is best to
take the omeprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use this
medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you
remember, use it at the same time each day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in
the bathroom. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not
miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you
react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or
with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially
dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW
MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS
UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. BREAST-FEEDING WHILE USING
THIS MEDICINE is not recommended.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, dizziness, or rash. If
they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. An allergic reaction
to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision,
or unusually fast heartbeat.
Additional
information
If you are taking this
medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve
within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse,
contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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