Prilosec otc is a drug given for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and for other problems related to excess stomach acid. The drug is also prescribed for the healing of erosive esophagitis. In combination with certain antibiotics, Prilosec otcis prescribed for the treatment of gastric ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori.
How taken
Once you have been given Prilosec otc, take care that you complete the whole dosage. Never deviate from what your doctor has asked you to do. Never change the doses without asking the physician.
Moreover, you should have to complete the whole dosage if you want cent per cent cure of the conditions. Do not the stop the drug in the middle of a course as it can only lead to many complications.
The prescribed dosage is one tablet daily for two weeks. In two weeks, the symptoms may go off. If you have to start another dosage of Prilosec otc, then it should only be taken four months later.
Well, the drug should only be swallowed. Prilosec otc should not be crushed, chewed or broken as it has to be slowly released into the body. If you have any difficulty in swallowing the capsule, sprinkle the granules in some applause and take it.
Missed dose/overdose
Once you think of having missed a dose, take it as soon as you realise it. But care should be taken not to take the missed dose if your regular dosage time is so near. Never compensate for a missed dose.
Once you feel that you have taken an overdose, contact the doctor immediately without delaying. Some of the overdose symptoms of Prilosec otc include drowsiness, fast heartbeat, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating and headache.
More information
Before taking Prilosec otc, inform the physician if you are having any allergies specially to any food, medicine or any substance. The doctor should also be aware of all the problems related to your health before he scribbles Prilosec otc. This will help the doctor to make a right decision on the Prilosec otc prescription.
Prilosec otc is rated FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not know if the drug causes harm to the foetus. But even then pregnant women and those who hope to conceive soon should have to take the drug only after consulting the doctor. As the drug cab pass into breast milk, better feed the babe only after consulting the doctor while you are on Prilosec otc medication.
Warnings/precautions
Certain medicines are known to interact with Prilosec otc. So before the doctor prescribes Prilosec otc, tell him about all the medicines that you are using such as a blood thinners, clopidogrel, atazanavir, disulfiram, cyclosporine, tacrolimus theophylline, ketoconazole, voriconazole, ampicillin, iron tablets, drugs for insomnia or anxiety.
Side effects
If you come across any allergic reactions like difficult breathing; swelling and hives, better stop the drug and contact the doctor at once.
Some of the lesser-known side effects include gas, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and headache.
Storage
Always keep Prilosec otc in a closed container. Store it in room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.
