Generic Prilosec is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach), and erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach contents into the canal leading to the stomach).

Generic Prilosec is also used to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of conditions in which too much stomach acid is secreted, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas (benign tumors), and systemic mastocytosis (cancerous cells). Combined with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) (and sometimes with the antibiotic amoxicillin as well), Generic Prilosec is also used to cure patients whose ulcers are caused by infection with the germ H. pylori.

Generic Prilosec dosage for adults:

• Short-term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer: The usual Generic Prilosec dose is 20 milligrams once a day. Most people heal within 4 weeks, although some require an additional 4 weeks of Generic Prilosec therapy.
• Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers Caused by H. Pylori: In combination therapy with Biaxin alone, the usual Generic Prilosec dosage is 40 milligrams of Generic Prilosec once daily and 500 milligrams of Biaxin 3 times a day for 14 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Generic Prilosec once daily for an additional 14 days. If amoxicillin is included in the treatment, the recommended Generic Prilosec dosage is 20 milligrams of Generic Prilosec, 500 milligrams of Biaxin, and 1,000 milligrams of amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days, followed by 20 milligrams of Generic Prilosec once daily for an additional 18 days.
• Gastric Ulcer: The usual Generic Prilosec dose is 40 milligrams once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The usual dose of Generic Prilosec for people with symptoms of GERD is 20 milligrams daily for up to 4 weeks. For erosive esophagitis accompanied by GERD symptoms, the usual dose is 20 milligrams a day for 4 to 8 weeks. The dose may be continued to maintain healing.
• Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions: The usual starting Generic Prilosec dose is 60 milligrams once a day. If you take more than 80 milligrams a day, your doctor will divide the total into smaller Generic Prilosec doses. The Generic Prilosec dosing will be based on your needs.

Generic Prilosec dosage for children: The safety and effectiveness of Generic Prilosec in children have not been established.

Generic Prilosec overdose : Overdose with Generic Prilosec has been rare, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Generic Prilosec, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Generic Prilosec overdose may include, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, vomiting

If you miss a dose of Generic Prilosec : Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Generic Prilosec dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Generic Prilosec at once.

Storage instructions for Generic Prilosec: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture.

Preparations of Generic Prilosec: Generic Prilosec 20 mg, Generic Prilosec 40 mg

If Generic Prilosec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Prilosec with the following:

• Ampicillin-containing drugs such as Unasyn, Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Diazepam (Valium), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Iron, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Warfarin (Coumadin).

Most Important fact about Generic Prilosec: Healing effect of Generic Prilosec can mask the signs of stomach cancer. Your doctor should be careful to rule out this possibility.

Side effects of Generic Prilosec cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Prilosec.

More common side effects of Generic Prilosec: May include, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Less common or rare side effects of Generic Prilosec: May include abdominal swelling, abnormal dreams, aggression, anemia, anxiety, apathy, back pain, breast development in males, blood in urine, changes in liver function, chest pain, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, difficulty sleeping, discolored feces, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, fever, fluid retention and swelling, fluttery heartbeat, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hallucinations, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, irritable colon, itching, joint and leg pain, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscle cramps and pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, pain in testicles, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, skin inflammation, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, stomach tumors, taste distortion, tingling or pins and needles, throat pain, tremors, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, vertigo, weakness, weight gain, yellow eyes and skin.

When taken with Biaxin, side effects of Generic Prilosec also may include, Flu symptoms, nasal inflammation, sore throat, taste alteration, tongue discoloration.

When taken with amoxicillin and Biaxin, Generic Prilosec side effects also may include- Diarrhea, headache, taste alteration.

Why should Generic Prilosec not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Generic Prilosec or any of its ingredients, you should not take Generic Prilosec. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced. You should avoid the Generic Prilosec/Biaxin combination treatment if you are allergic to certain antibiotics called macrolides or if you are taking Orap.

Special warnings about Generic Prilosec
Long-term use of Generic Prilosec can cause severe stomach inflammation.