What is Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a prescription and over the counter drug, used to treat acid reflux, damaged esophagus, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as (GERD). The most common brand name on the market is Prilosec or Prilosec OTC. Omeprazole is a PPI or a Protein Pump Inhibitor, which is to say it works to decrease large amounts of acid produced by the protein pumps that line the stomach.
How to Take Omeprazole
You should follow the directions laid out by your doctor, and the Medicine guide provided included with the drug packaging. If taking the capsules, or delayed-release capsules, be sure to take this medication before your meal and ideally in the morning. The dosage will also vary from patient to patient, so pay attention to the appropriate dosage.
What to do before taking Omeprazole
It is wise to consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are using other OTC or prescription drugs. Using alcohol or tobacco may cause certain interactions to occur. Do not use these medications if you are currently taking Rilpivirine, Edurant, or Complera. There is an increased risk of sides effects if you suffer from diarrhea, Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium), Osteoporosis, Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE), or liver disease.
What to Do
Never take this drug with antibiotics, you will want to check with your doctor immediately if you experience any abdominal cramps, severe bloating, or watery or bloody stool. Do not take other medications along with this drug unless it has been discussed with your doctor. Medications to avoid, include atazanavir, nelfinavir, Reyataz®, Viracept®, or non-prescription over-the-counter pills, including vitamin supplements. While taking this medication, it is important for your doctor to monitor you regularly. This means regular blood tests, urine, and other lab tests to check for any irregularities that may come up. Serious side effects can transpire including fever, blisters, leg pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, chills, bloody urine, irritated eyes, skin rash, sore, ulcers or white spots on mouths, lips or genitals, unusual bleeding, and unusual weakness.
Side Effects
These are rare side effects, and more commonly you might experience drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, nausea or vomiting. You are urged to seek emergency medical help if any of these occur. Less commonly you might experience chest pain, diarrhea, nasal congestion, loss of voice and heartburn. Contact your doctor if these continue after a prolonged period, as you might have these symptoms when first using these medications. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Omeprazole, do not use it.
What is Dexilant
Dexilant is the prescription-only alternative to Omeprazole. The main and key difference is between Omeprazole and Dexilant is the fact that Dexilant provides two doses of medication in one pill. How it works is with Dual Delayed Release Technology ( DDR). Two different granules of medication are released when ingesting the pill. The first dose is delivered within the first hour of ingesting. Then 4-5 hours later, the second dose arrives in your system. Be sure to swallow the capsules whole. If you are unable to swallow, it is ok to open the capsule and sprinkle the granules on applesauce, just be sure to ingest it right away. For children ages 12-17 years old, it is ok to take once a day with or without food.
Recommendations
It is recommended that children at these ages use this medication for up to 4 weeks. Do not take Dexilant if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or are taking medications with rilpivirine. Serious allergic reactions have occurred when these two medications are mixed. If any symptoms including rash, face swelling, tightness in the throat, or difficulty breathing happen, tell your doctor.
Side Effects
Acute interstitial nephritis has occurred and may develop when using PPI medications. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a decrease in the amount of urine you produce, or if you have blood in your urine. This medication may increase your risk of severe diarrhea. Alert your doctor immediately if you have watery stool, stomach pain, or fever that doesn’t go away.
Other Recommendations
Patients who are taking PPI’s for longer periods of time (1 year or more) may have an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Patients may also develop new or increasingly worse bouts of lupus erythematosus. Alert your doctor right away if you have joint pain or a rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun. Do not take these medications while taking Dexilant rilpivirine, methotrexate, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, products containing iron, digoxin, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, ketoconazole/itraconazole, tacrolimus, St. John’s Wort, certain vitamins or rifampin. Check with your doctor before taking this medication with these drugs.
