Prilosec OTC

Prilosec OTC is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other issues caused by too much stomach acid. This medicine also helps heal erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Prilosec OTC may also be used with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcers caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Over-the-counter (OTC) Prilosec OTC is for adults to help control heartburn that happens 2 or more days each week. Prilosec OTC is not for quick relief of heartburn symptoms. This medicine must be taken regularly for 14 days in a row.

Prilosec OTC may also be used for other reasons not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

You must dissolve Prilosec OTC powder in a small amount of water. This mixture can either be swallowed or given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using a catheter-tipped syringe.

Use Prilosec OTC for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

OTC Prilosec OTC should be taken for only 14 days in a row. It may take 1 to 4 days before your symptoms improve. Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start a new 14-day course of treatment.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Prilosec OTC.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Prilosec OTC can lead to kidney issues. Inform your doctor if you are urinating less than usual or if you notice blood in your urine.

Diarrhea may indicate a new infection. Contact your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is watery or contains blood.

Prilosec OTC may trigger new or worsening lupus symptoms. Notify your doctor if you experience joint pain along with a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in sunlight.

You may have a higher risk of breaking a bone if you take Prilosec OTC for a long time or more than once per day.

Heartburn can feel similar to early signs of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical help if you experience chest pain that moves to your jaw or shoulder, and you feel sweaty or light-headed.

You should not use Prilosec OTC if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are also allergic to other medicines like Prilosec OTC, such as esPrilosec OTC, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and others;
• you have had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking Prilosec OTC before; or
• you are taking HIV medication that includes rilpivirine (such as Complera, Edurant, Odefsey, Juluca).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you if you have:

• trouble or pain swallowing;
• bloody or black stools, or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
• heartburn that has lasted over 3 months;
• frequent chest pain, or heartburn with wheezing;
• unexplained weight loss;
• nausea or vomiting, or stomach pain;
• liver disease;
• low magnesium levels in your blood; or
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia).

You may be at a higher risk of breaking a bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor for a long time or more than once a day. Discuss with your doctor ways to maintain healthy bones.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Prilosec OTC may cause serious side effects. Stop using Prilosec OTC and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• new or unusual pain in your wrist, thigh, hip, or back;
• seizure (convulsions);
• kidney problems--fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;
• low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking Prilosec OTC long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use Prilosec OTC for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.

Common side effects of Prilosec OTC may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat (especially in children);
• fever (especially in children);
• stomach pain, gas;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Prilosec OTC can cause diarrhea, which may indicate a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is watery or bloody, contact your doctor before taking any anti-diarrhea medicine.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Prilosec OTC, especially:

• digoxin;
• clopidogrel;
• methotrexate;
• St. John's wort;
• a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• an antibiotic--amoxicillin, clarithromycin, rifampin.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Prilosec OTC. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.