A lot of medications, foods and lifestyle habits can affect your cholesterol levels, but Prilosec is not one of them. Prilosec has no bearing on cholesterol levels and is used to treat other conditions. If you believe your cholesterol levels are too high, voice this concern with your health-care provider.
What Is It Used For?
Prilosec is often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and other conditions, such as chronic heartburn. Chronic heartburn is described as having heartburn at least twice per week or more, according to Medline Plus. It's also used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestine. Prilosec is available in various strengths. Prescription Prilosec is more potent than over-the-counter Prilosec. Generic Prilosec is also known as omeprazole.
How Prilosec Works
Prilosec works by reducing stomach acid. It can prevent the return of stomach and intestinal ulcers by decreasing the amount of a certain bacteria that causes them. Prilosec, including prescription and over-the-counter strengths, is a delayed-release capsule, according to Medline Plus, and is usually taken once per day, unless otherwise noted by your physician, to treat certain conditions.
Special Precautions
If you plan on taking Prilosec, let your health-care provider and pharmacist know if you take other medications, such as medications used to decrease cholesterol levels. Fluvastatin, a prescription used to treat high cholesterol, should not be taken when using Prilosec, unless you're under direct physician supervision. Cholesterol medications like this can have adverse effects with other medications, such as Prilosec, vitamin supplements and blood thinners. Only take Prilosec once every 24 hours unless otherwise directed by your health-care provider.
Warnings
Do not expect immediate heartburn relief when taking Prilosec. Since it is time-delayed, you may not notice relief for hours after taking the medication. Do not continue to take additional capsules for heartburn relief. Do not take Prilosec, or omeprazole, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Do not take double doses if you miss a dose, and always follow the product insert or use as directed by your physician. Side effects may include gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and constipation. After taking Prilosec for the specified amount of time set by your physician, do not take Prilosec again for four months. Taking Prilosec continuously may dilute its effects to effectively treat heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or intestine ulcers.
