Prilosec OTC: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Prilosec is a class of drugs that block the production of acid in the stomach and are used to treat a number of problems related to the stomach and esophagus, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, etc. So how to use Prilosec OTC drug to get the most effect?

1. Indications Prilosec OTC for what treatment?

Prilosec OTC is a brand name with the international name omeprazole, this is a medicine used to treat some problems of the stomach and esophagus in some specific diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers. Prilosec works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, healing the damage caused by acid, thereby reducing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn and persistent cough, preventing stomach ulcers and esophageal cancer. Prilosec belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block an enzyme that allows acid to be pumped from protons to the cells of the stomach wall. It is indicated for the treatment of heartburn that occurs 2 or more days a week. However, the drug does not relieve heartburn immediately after use, it takes about 1-4 days for the medicine to work. In addition, prilosec prevents too much acid from being released and can damage the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines if taken in excess.

2. How to use Prilosec OTC

The dosage form of the drug is a 20mg tablet, so it is taken orally and usually taken before each meal. Prilosec is a slow-release tablet that should not be crushed or chewed by patients, as this will release all of the medication at once, increasing the risk of side effects. When taking the medicine, the patient holds the tablet with dry hands, places the tablet on the tongue and lets it dissolve, then it can be taken with or without water.

Dosage and duration of treatment will be based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. For young children, the dosage should be based on weight. The drug can cause some unwanted effects if overdosed. Therefore, patients should absolutely not increase the dose on their own and use the drug regularly without a doctor's prescription.

3.Prilosec OTC side effects

If Prilosec is used incorrectly, at the right dose and at the right time, it can cause unwanted effects including:
Headache Abdominal pain Abnormal heartbeat: due to decreased magnesium levels in the blood Signs of lupus: rash, joint pain,... Gastrointestinal disturbances: diarrhea that doesn't stop, stools with bloody mucus,... However, this condition is rare, or occurs from weeks to weeks months after stopping treatment. Increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis: common in elderly patients using long-term drugs and high doses. Vitamin B12 deficiency: occurs in patients who take the drug daily for a long time, often lasting 3 years or longer. Symptoms include a sore tongue, unusual weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Signs of kidney problems: change in the amount of urine Allergic reactions: rash, itching especially in the face, tongue and throat area, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness,...

To minimize the side effects that the drug causes, patients need to use the drug as prescribed by the doctor, inform the doctor about the history of allergies and medical history such as liver problems, lupus ,... In addition, when you see signs of a serious condition such as: heartburn with dizziness, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, etc. Patients should immediately notify medical staff for timely intervention.

4. Notes when using Prilosec OTC

Some notes when using Prilosec OTC drugs include:
Children are often sensitive to the side effects of the drug and manifest with symptoms such as fever, cough, respiratory infection Pregnant women: need Inform your doctor if you are pregnant and breast-feeding Prilosec increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, so calcium and vitamin D supplements are needed. Before starting a new course of Prilosec, it should be at least 4 months apart from the old one. In addition, during treatment, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. In case if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue taking the medicine at the usual time, never take a double dose of the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
In addition, for those who use the drug regularly for a long time, it is necessary to perform periodic health examinations to monitor the progress and prevent unwanted effects by performing tests such as: blood count test to check magnesium levels, vitamin B12 levels,...

5. Drug interactions Prilosec OTC

Certain medicines when used with Prilosec OTC can change the way the medicine works and increase the risk of serious side effects. Besides, the drug Prilosec can change or distort test results. Therefore, patients need to save their prescriptions and other drugs they are using so that the doctor can direct the appropriate treatment.
Some drugs that interact with Prilosec include:
Cilostazol Clopidogrel Methotrexate Rifampin Atazanavir Erlotinib Nelfinavir Pazopanib Rilpivirine Some antifungals: itraconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole

6. Preservation of Prilosec OTC

In order for Prilosec OTC medicine to keep the best quality, patients need to store it according to the requirements. Preservation methods include:
Preserve Prilosec OTC at room temperature Keep away from light and moisture Keep out of reach of children and pets. Also, when the medicine has expired, dispose of it properly, do not flush it down the toilet or dispose of it in sewage, unless directed to do so. Consult your pharmacist for the correct treatment. Prilosec OTC is a class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used to treat certain stomach and esophageal problems in specific conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, etc. .. When using drugs in excess, not the right time as well as the way to take them can increase the risk of unwanted effects. Therefore, take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. During the course of treatment, when you see any unusual signs such as nausea, abdominal pain, headache, etc., it is necessary to immediately notify the medical staff for timely handling measures.

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