Omeprazole is usually taken before eating. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) should be taken only once every 24 hours for 14 days. Take the medicine in the morning before you eat breakfast. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours.
Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prilosec OTC. Call your doctor if you have additional symptoms and need treatment before the 4 months has passed.
Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric coated pill, or a Prilosec OTC tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
You may open the delayed-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save for later use.
Dissolve the powder in a small amount of water. Use 1 teaspoon of water for the 2.5-mg packet, or 1 Tablespoon of water for the 10-mg packet. Let the mixture stand for 2 or 3 minutes, then stir and drink right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
This mixture can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using only a catheter-tipped syringe. Shake the syringe well, then attach it to the NG tube and push the plunger down to empty the syringe into the tube. Refill the syringe with water and flush the tube to wash the contents down.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is completely cleared.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using omeprazole.
Some conditions are treated with a combination of omeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests, and you may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before a test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using omeprazole.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?