Hello twowaymirrors_net-ga!
I am one who gets frustrated even hearing the side effects of a drug
being listed on a TV advertisement. It can seem maddening that a pill
that?s supposed to help in one way can make you feel so miserable in
several other ways. This is an interesting question and I?ve found
quite a bit of information regarding the potential side effects of
Prilosec (omeprazole). During my search it became readily apparent
that most lists available on the Internet are derived from some form
of the drug?s package insert. I?ve tried to include a few samples of
what is available along with an interpretation of the information (and
I?ve verified all of this with my physician husband). As with any
medical information obtained on the Internet, you should discuss your
particular situation and questions with your own primary care
physician.
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MECHANISM OF ACTION
http://www.drkoop.com/druglibrary/93/prilosec-clinical_pharmacology.html
Prilosec is a medication that blocks the secretion of hydrogen ions
into the stomach. This reduces the level of acidity in the stomach,
which in turn prevents problems such as gastric reflux and ulcerative
disease. It is broken down into several other chemicals that have
varying levels of activity and must be excreted from the body. Most
(nearly 80%) is excreted in the urine (by way of the kidneys) and the
rest is excreted through the feces (with a significant portion being
excreted through the liver). Any diseases, conditions, or medications
that interfere with the kidney?s and/or liver?s ability to remove the
drug from the body may predispose someone to developing side effects.
This is due primarily to a buildup of excess Prilosec and/or its
metabolites.
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SIDE EFFECTS
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/pri1350.htm
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/omepra_ad.htm
Common side effects of Prilosec include abdominal pain, diarrhea,
headache, nausea, vomiting. Depending upon the severity of the problem
and your personal tolerance for any of these, none of the common side
effects would necessarily warrant a visit to the emergency department.
These are usually the sorts of problems that will go away if you stop
taking the medicine.
There is a large list of possible less common side effects. If you?ve
ever seen any pharmaceutical advertisements on TV you can imagine what
they might be. Some of the side effects that may herald more serious
underlying conditions (and therefore require more immediate attention)
include:
*Severe abdominal pain or swelling, yellow eyes or skin, general
feeling of illness, discolored feces (may be signs of pancreatitis or
hepatitis)
*fever, skin rash, skin inflammation (could be a sign of
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a severe and dangerous skin disorder)
*nosebleed, fatigue, blood in urine, dizziness, palpitations, rapid
heartbeat (may be signs of anemia or other blood abnormality)
*hives, breathing difficulties (may be signs of severe allergic reaction)
It appears that the most severe reactions are due to some type of
immune-mediated response. In other words, the body?s immune system
reacts in an unusually severe way to a foreign chemical or substance.
In this case it would be the Prilosec. Why some people react in this
way and others do not is not clear.
There is an exhaustive list of side effects available at the
above-mentioned websites, and should any of these appear after taking
Prilosec, it would be wise to make an appointment with your primary
care provider to discuss them.
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As I mentioned earlier, you should discuss any questions or concerns
that you have regarding your personal treatment with your primary care
physician. I hope that this information is helpful (and reassuring) to
you. If you should need any further clarification please let me know.
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
Search terms used:
Prilosec side effects
Prilosec pharmacology
Prilosec side effect cause
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome |
