MEDICATION LIBRARY DISCLAIMER This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
This medication reduces the production of stomach acid. Typically, it is used for the prevention or treatment of ulcers or for gastroesophageal reflux (a condition involving heartburn and the regurgitation of stomach acid). It may also be used to prevent stomach ulcers caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as for other uses.
This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.
This medication may be taken with or without food. Due to its special coating, this medication should not be chewed, crushed or dissolved in a liquid. If you cannot swallow it whole, talk to your pharmacist.
Avoid using or consuming substances that may irritate your stomach, such as:
cigarettes;
alcohol and alcohol-containing products;
coffee, tea and chocolate;
acidic or spicy food;
fried foods.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember or -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.
In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
it may cause headaches;
it may cause diarrhea;
it may cause dizziness -- use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of young children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.
When using this product, even for a short period, you will develop an increased need for certain nutrients. Fortunately, you can easily increase your intake of these nutrients through your diet. The following table shows the nutrients that are mostly affected by your treatment, along with foods that are good sources of these nutrients. For the duration of your treatment, try to eat these foods more often to avoid a deficiency of these nutrients.
Nutrients
Suggested foods
vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
giblets, mollusks (e.g., oysters, clams), fish (especially fatty fish), meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products
iron
liver and giblets, meat, poultry, fish (e.g., trout, sardines) and molluscs (e.g., clams, oysters), enriched and whole-grain cereals, nuts and seeds, legumes, prune juice, dried fruits and dark molasses
folic acid
green vegetables (e.g., spinach, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, broccoli, avocado, asparagus, green peas), legumes, citrus fruits and their juices, liver, eggs, bananas, melon, folic acid-enriched cereals, brewer's yeast, nuts and seeds
The information provided on this SHOPPERS
DRUG MART web site is provided for information purposes only. It is not
intended as a substitute for professional advice. Please consult your
physician or HEALTHWATCH® Pharmacist with any questions or concerns.
