What is Prilosec OTC? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Prilosec OTC

• Always take Prilosec OTC

  before meals.

• Your doctor will tell you what time of day to take the daily dose.

• Take one tablet daily before eating in the morning.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

• Do not crush or chew the tablet.

• Take one tablet every day for 14 days. Take the medicine for the full 14 days even if you begin to feel better. 

• Do not use Prilosec OTC for more than 14 days.

• You can repeat the 14-day treatment every f months unless instructed otherwise by a doctor.

• This medicine should come with instructions and warnings

  . Please read these before taking Prilosec OTC.

• Store Prilosec tablets at room temperature (59˚-86˚).

• Set an alarm to go off at the scheduled dosing time every day so that you don’t miss a dose.

• To help with heartburn, antacids may be taken with Prilosec OTC.

What to do if you miss a dose of Prilosec OTC

Prilosec OTC contraindications - Who shouldn't take Prilosec OTC?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or similar medicines.

Prilosec OTC warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, or osteoporosis.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Kidney problemsIncreased risk of broken bones in the hip, wrist, or spine (more likely if used several times per day or longer than 1 year)LupusFundic gland polyps (abnormal growth in the upper part of your stomach)

• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Prilosec OTC interactions & what to avoid when taking Prilosec OTC

• Do not use omeprazole if you are also using medicines that contain rilpivirine.

• Some medicines can affect how omeprazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amoxicillin, atazanavir, cilostazol, citalopram, clarithromycin, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, dasatinib, digoxin, disulfiram, erlotinib, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, nelfinavir, nilotinib, phenytoin, rifampin, saquinavir, St John's wort, tacrolimus, voriconazoleBenzodiazepine medicine (including diazepam)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Iron supplements

• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.