Long-Term Use of Prilosec
Prilosec is a medication available for the treatment of persistent heartburn. Prilosec is sold over-the-counter or prescribed in stronger doses by a physician. Prilosec is available in a tablet form for oral administration. Side effects of Prilosec are mostly moderate, but can last from several hours to several days or weeks after taking it and may persist for even longer periods. It is important that you tell your doctor if you are experiencing a negative reaction to Prilosec, as he may need to provide you an alternative treatment.
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Dosage
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To help prevent unpleasant side effects, take Prilosec exactly as directed. Take Prilosec with an 8 oz. glass of water. Do not alter your dosage of Prilosec or skip a dose of Prilosec. If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Never double up on Prilosec, as it may cause an overdose to occur. Symptoms of Prilosec overdose include blurry vision, rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, increase in sweat production, dry mouth, feeling drowsy and headache.
Less Severe Reactions
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Certain reactions to Prilosec are considered common and may last for a few hours after taking the medication or for prolonged periods of time. Uncomfortable side effects that can be prolonged include diarrhea, nausea, headache, upset stomach and stomach pain and gas. It is important that you talk with your doctor if you are experiencing a negative reaction to Prilosec, as he may need to prescribe an alternative to Prilosec.
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Severe Reactions
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Some side effects of Prilosec are considered severe. If you believe you are experiencing a severe reaction to Prilosec, seek emergency medical help immediately. Severe reactions are life-threatening; do not wait to call your physician. Severe reactions to Prilosec include rash (hives), oral swelling (mouth, lips, tongue or throat) and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Interactions
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Certain medical conditions or medicines may interact with Prilosec, which can cause reactions to last for longer periods or symptoms to become more severe. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you are using and conditions for which you have been diagnosed. Do not take Prilosec if you are taking Coumadin or Plavix without talking to your doctor first, as these medications can cause side effects to worsen. Other drugs that cause further interaction with Prilosec include Reyataz, Antabuse, Gengraf, Prograf, Dilantin, Nizoral, Principen, Vfend, Feosol, Elixophyllin and TheoBid. Tell your doctor about all of the over-the-counter medications you are using before taking Prilosec.
Warning
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Do not use Prilosec if you are breast-feeding, as Prilosec can pass into breast milk. Follow your doctor's instructions with regard to diet restrictions while taking Prilosec. Talk with your doctor and do not use Prilosec if you have been experiencing the following conditions: difficulty swallowing, bloody bowel movements, bloody vomit or vomit that has the appearance of coffee, heartburn that has persisted for more than 90 days, chest pain, heartburn with wheezing, weight loss without dieting, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.
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