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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
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.
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. |