Prilosec® Overdose
Prilosec® is a proton pump inhibitor approved by the FDA for sale in both prescription and non-prescription strengths. It is also available in generic form and goes under the name Omeprazole.
Can Someone Overdose on Prilosec®?
While Prilosec® is generally regarded as safe and can be sold over the counter (in the form of Prilosec OTC®) it is still a powerful drug and can cause overdose if too much is ingested.
Over the counter Prilosec® is available in 20 mg tablets that are designed to be taken once daily and dissolve into the bloodstream slowly over the course of 24 hours. Prescription strength Prilosec® is available in 10, 20, or 40 mg tablets. It is also available in a powder form that can be mixed with water and ingested.
All forms of the drug should be taken only as instructed by your physician or the dosing instructions on the label.
Over the counter Prilosec® is only to be used as a short-term remedy for frequent heartburn. As such, it is intended to be taken daily but only for periods of up to 14 days. After that, patients must discontinue Prilosec® usage and not take the drug again for 4 months.
In addition to the dangers of immediate overdose, taking Prilosec® for longer than the 14 day period (or as prescribed by your doctor) can lead to adverse side effects such as:
- Greater risk of heart attack
- Arrhythmic heartbeat
- Stroke
- Bone fracture
- And possibly respiratory infections
What are the risk if I take too much Prilosec®?
Symptoms of Prilosec® overdose may include:
- Nausea (which may or may not lead to vomiting)
- Vomiting (with or without nausea)
- Profuse sweating
- Flushing or "hot flashes"
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Rapid or arrhythmic heartbeat
- Headache
- Dry mouth ranging from mild to extreme
It is very important to note that Prilosec® overdose may cause any of these symptoms in any combination. Individual patients may experience any or all of them in varying degrees and combinations.
If left untreated, these symptoms may cause cardiac arrest, suffocation, even death.
Important Facts About Prilosec®
Prilosec® is a proton pump inhibitor. It and drugs like it have been linked to heart issues such as heart attack and arrhythmia. They have also been linked to bone breakage and osteoporosis. In addition, Omeprazole, the drug found in Prilosec®, can have adverse affects on nursing infants so mothers are strongly cautioned to discontinue nursing while using the drug or seek an alternative treatment. The drug may be administered to children under 18 but only under a doctor's instructions and observation (this is in part because heartburn in children may actually be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness and not due to excess stomach acid).
Contact a Prilosec® Lawyer
If you or a loved one have taken Prilosec® and have experienced any adverse side effects, the manufacturer of that drug may owe you compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact our Prilosec® lawyers today for a free consultation. There's no cost to you and it could greatly ease your burden.
