Prilosec is a medication that contains the active ingredient omeprazole, a type of proton-pump inhibitor. This medication is indicated to treat stomach ulcers in adults and alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in patients over the age of one. Prilosec is available over-the-counter and by prescription and works by limiting acid production by the stomach. Patients should be aware of the potentially bad side effects of Prilosec before beginning to use this medication.
Headache
Headache pain was the most common side effect reported by patients receiving Prilosec during clinical trials, affecting nearly 7 percent of patients, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Headache discomfort is typically temporary and resolves with continued use of this medication. If headache symptoms become bothersome or disruptive, affected patients may be able to take an over-the-counter analgesic medication to resolve this side effect of Prilosec.
Abdominal Pain, Nausea or Vomiting
While using Prilosec, patients can develop side effects of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, RxList reports. These uncomfortable side effects can cause a temporary decrease in appetite within affected patients. The severity of these stomach upset side effects can be limited if patients avoid taking Prilosec on an empty stomach. Patients who experience persistent or severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting while receiving treatment with Prilosec should consult a doctor.
Diarrhea or Gas
Diarrhea, a side effect resulting in frequent bowel movements, can occur in patients taking Prilosec, PDRHealth explains. Recurrent bouts of diarrhea can exacerbate upset stomach symptoms and may contribute to increased abdominal gas or bloating. Nearly 4 percent of Prilosec treated patients developed diarrhea during clinical trials for this medication, RxList reports. Chronic diarrhea can increase a patient's risk of developing dehydration due to excessive fluid loss.
Respiratory Reactions and Fever
Patients between the ages of one and 16 are at an increased risk of experiencing respiratory side effects during treatment with Prilosec, Drugs.com warns. Affected children may experience shortness of breath, cough or upper respiratory tract infection. Approximately one-third of toddlers between the ages of one and two developed a fever as a side effect of Prilosec during clinical trials. Fever symptoms can be accompanied by chills, sweating and facial flushing. If these side effects persist, affected children may require further evaluation and care from a pediatrician.
Increased Risk of Fractures
In May 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that the use of proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, can increase a patient's risk of developing bone fractures. Fractures most frequently affect the bones of the spine, wrist and hip in patients over the age of 50. Patients who experience bone fractures while taking Prilosec should contact a doctor.
