Question

A patient has been prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). What statement by the patient indicates good understanding of his newly prescribed drug?

Select one:
a. I should open the capsules and crush the drug into applesauce.
b. It is important that I take the drug after each meal.
c. I need to swallow the drug whole and not chew the capsules.
d. I should always take the drug with an antacid.

Answer 1

The correct understanding of omeprazole use is that the capsules should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed, to properly decrease stomach acid production.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the patient that indicates good understanding of their newly prescribed drug omeprazole (Prilosec) would be, "I need to swallow the drug whole and not chew the capsules." Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor used to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach and should not be crushed or chewed, which can alter the drug's efficacy. Unlike antacids, which provide symptomatic relief, omeprazole and other proton-pump inhibitors work on a cellular level to reduce gastric acid secretion and are not typically taken with antacids.