Prilosec

Pronounced: PRY-low-sek
Generic name: Omeprazole

Why is Prilosec prescribed?

Prilosec is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:

• Stomach ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
• Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the throat to the stomach).

It is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of conditions in which too much stomach acid is secreted, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells).

Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Prilosec is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori.

In addition, Prilosec is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. However, Prilosec OTC is approved only for frequent heartburn (occurs two or more days a week). The prescription version is still needed for treatment of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that require monitoring by a doctor.

Most important fact about Prilosec

Prilosec's healing effect can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility.

How should you take Prilosec?

Prilosec works best when taken before meals. It can be taken with an antacid.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. It should not be opened, chewed, or crushed.

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can empty the contents of the Prilosec capsule onto a tablespoonful of applesauce, mix, and swallow with a glass of cool water. Use cool, soft applesauce and do not chew or crush the pellets. Use the mixture immediately. Do not store it for future use.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine while taking this drug.

It may take several days for Prilosec to begin relieving stomach pain. Be sure to continue taking the drug exactly as prescribed even if it seems to have no effect.