Common
uses
This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used
to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux,
or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by blocking
acid production in the stomach. This medicine may be
used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin,
clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It
may also be used to treat other conditions as determined
by your doctor.
Before
Using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION
may be needed if you are taking ampicillin, cilostazol,
cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, iron, itraconazole,
ketoconazole, moclobemide, phenytoin, sucralfate, vorconizole,
or warfarin. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without
doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of
any other medical conditions including liver problems,
other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions or concerns about using this
medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, crush, or
open the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing
this medicine whole, the capsule may be opened and the
contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken as
directed. Do not chew the food/medicine mixture or make-up
a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or
increase side effects. After taking the drug/applesauce
mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure complete
swallowing of the medicine. Take this medicine before
a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This
medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has
instructed you to take antacids. Potent acid-reducing
medicines such as omeprazole can decrease the effectiveness
of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals
ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take
any of these medicines while taking omeprazole, consult
your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing
of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to
take sucralfate in addition to omeprazole, it is best
to take the omeprazole at least 30 minutes before your
sucralfate. Use this medicine regularly in order to
get the most benefit from it. To help you remember,
use it at the same time each day. STORE THIS MEDICINE
at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15
and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away
from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the
bathroom. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you
feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE
OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE
THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react
to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to
drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Limit alcoholic beverages. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE
YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss
with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE
IS EXCRETED in breast milk. BREAST-FEEDING WHILE USING
THIS MEDICINE is not recommended.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include
headache, constipation, cough, dizziness, or rash. If
they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects
or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact
with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include confusion, unusual sweating,
blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.
Additional
information
If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or
reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within
4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if
they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE
THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions.
KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and
pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD
OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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