Brand Name: Prilosec
Generic Name: omeprazole

Omeprazole

(oh-ME-pray-zol)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, cystic fibrosis, prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding recurrence

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of active duodenal ulcer disease, active benign gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, hypersecretory conditions. Also used in combination with other drugs for the eradication of H. pylori in the stomach to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer reoccurrence

BRAND NAME
Prilosec, Zegerid

DRUG CLASS
Proton pump inhibitor

DESCRIPTION
This drug inhibits the last step of gastric acid production by suppressing gastric acid secretion via the inhibition of a specific enzyme system in the stomach. This enzyme system is referred to as the acid (proton) pump in the stomach mucosa and this class of drugs is called the "proton pump inhibitors."

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, cough.

CAUTIONS

• Inform your doctor if you have allergies to any drugs in this class.
• Long-term treatment has resulted in atrophic gastritis.
• Absorption may be increased in the elderly.
• Zegerid use is contraindicated in patients with metabolic alkalosis and low calcium levels.
• Relief of symptoms with use of this drug does not exclude gastric cancer.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, phenytoin, warfarin, amiodarone, citalopram, diazepam, fluoxetine, glimepiride, glipizide, methsuximide, nateglinide, phenytoin, pioglitazone, propranolol, rosiglitazone, sertraline, aminoglutethimide, rifampin, atazanavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, sucralfate

This drug affects other drugs metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of these drugs from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with omeprazole, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Take before eating. Avoid alcohol.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Excreted in breast milk. Therapy not recommended during breast-feeding.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Swallow capsules whole, do not chew, open, or split.