Prilosec (Omeprazole Magnesium) is a prescription medication used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid, including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (a condition where the stomach produces too much acid). Stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestive function. However, in excess, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain. The active ingredient in Prilosec is Omeprazole Magnesium. Omeprazole Magnesium belongs to a class of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). It works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump in the stomach lining, resulting in a significant and long-lasting reduction in the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Prilosec from Canada, manufactured by Xediton Pharmaceuticals in the strength of 20 mg capsules and tablets. It is also available from New Zealand, manufactured by AstraZeneca in the strength of 40 mg tablets. The generic Omeprazole Magnesium is also available from India, the United Kingdom, and Canada by different manufacturers in the strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg capsules, 20 mg/5.9 gm powder, and 20 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Prilosec. The most common side effects of Prilosec may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Gas;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Stomach pain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea;
• Increased risk of bone fractures;
• Low magnesium levels;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of Prilosec's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Prilosec if you are allergic to Omeprazole Magnesium or any ingredient in Prilosec. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have breathing problems;
• Have congestive heart failure;
• Have difficulty swallowing;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver disease;
• Have low magnesium levels in your blood;
• Have osteoporosis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Prilosec and other medicines, such as clopidogrel, digoxin, warfarin, methotrexate, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medicine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Omeprazole Magnesium is excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised during breastfeeding.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Prilosec is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, and powder. Swallow the tablet and capsule whole, accompanied by a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Dissolve Prilosec powder in a small amount of water. Swallow the mixture. The mixture may also be administered through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using a catheter-tipped syringe. Take Prilosec once daily, usually before a meal. You can take the OTC form of Prilosec for only 14 days in a row. Do not use this medicine for an extended period without consulting your doctor. Omeprazole can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. Inform your doctor if you experience watery or bloody diarrhea when using this medicine. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.