omeprazole
Losec (CAN), Prilosec, Zegerid
Nursing Considerations
• Give omeprazole before meals, preferably
in the morning for once-daily dosing. If
needed, also give an antacid, as prescribed.
• If needed, open capsule and sprinkle
enteric-coated granules on applesauce or
yogurt or mix with water or acidic fruit
juice, such as apple or cranberry juice.
Give immediately.
• To give drug via NG tube, mix granules in
acidic juice because enteric coating dissolves
in alkaline pH.
• Because drug can interfere with absorption
of vitamin B12, monitor patient for
macrocytic anemia.
• Be aware that long-term use of omeprazole
may increase the risk of gastric carcinoma.
PATIENT TEACHING
• Tell patient to take drug before eating—
usually before breakfast—and to swallow
delayed-release capsules or tablets whole.
If needed, patient may sprinkle contents of
capsule onto 1 tablespoon of applesauce
and swallow immediately without chewing
pellets. Tell him to follow with a glass of
cool water and not to keep any leftover
mixture.
• If patient takes the oral suspension, tell
him to empty package into a small cup
containing 2 tablespoons of water (no
other beverage should be used), stir the
mixture well, drink it immediately, refill
the cup with water, and drink again.
• Encourage patient to avoid alcohol, aspirin
products, ibuprofen, and foods that may
increase gastric secretions during therapy.
Tell him to notify all prescribers about
prescription drug use.
• Advise patient to notify prescriber immediately
about abdominal pain or diarrhea.
• Urge female patient of childbearing age to
use effective contraception during therapy
and to inform prescriber immediately if
she is or suspects she may be pregnant.
