DRUG OF THE DAY
omeprazole
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Before opening the card, recall one use, one safety check and one counseling point.
Reveal the drug learning card
Names and formulations
- Prilosec: prescription delayed-release products
- Prilosec OTC: 20-mg delayed-release course for frequent heartburn; not immediate relief
Delayed-release forms should not be crushed or chewed; prescription and OTC products differ in indications, directions, and duration.
Common use
Acid suppression for conditions such as GERD and erosive esophagitis; OTC omeprazole is labeled for frequent heartburn using a defined 14-day course.
Mechanism of action
Irreversibly inhibits the gastric parietal-cell hydrogen-potassium ATPase, suppressing the final step of acid secretion.
Important adverse effects and monitoring
- Use the lowest effective duration consistent with the indication and reassess persistent symptoms or alarm features.
- Longer exposure can be associated with hypomagnesemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, fractures, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea in susceptible patients.
- Monitor magnesium or other parameters when prolonged therapy and patient-specific risk justify it.
Patient counseling
- Take before eating as directed and swallow delayed-release dosage forms according to product instructions.
- OTC therapy is not immediate relief and should not be extended or repeatedly restarted outside label directions without evaluation.
Interaction to recognize
With: clopidogrel
Why it matters: CYP2C19 inhibition reduces formation of clopidogrel's active metabolite and its antiplatelet activity.
Practical response: Avoid omeprazole with clopidogrel; use an alternative selected for the patient's indication and interaction profile.
Check the original sources
- DailyMed — Prilosec prescription labeling
Sections: 1 Indications and Usage; 2 Dosage and Administration; 5 Warnings and Precautions; 7 Drug Interactions; 12.1 Mechanism of Action; 17 Patient Counseling Information. Source checked 2026-09-13.
- DailyMed — Prilosec OTC labeling
Sections: Use; Warnings; Directions. Source checked 2026-09-13.
Selected learning points; verify current labeling for the complete prescribing information.