How to take it
- Advise patient to take with 8 oz of water to ensure passage into stomach.
- Tell patient to take on empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours afterwards.
- Instruct patient to take at least 1 hour before bedtime to prevent esophagitis.
- Tell patient to immediately report painful swallowing, abdominal pain, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of hypersensitivity such as skin rash
- Advise female patient to tell prescriber if she is pregnant.
- Instruct patient to avoid alcohol use and large amounts of calcium containing foods (such as dairy products and some green leafy vegetables, such as spinach).
- Stress importance of good oral hygiene.
- As appropriate, review all other significant and life threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, and behaviors mentioned above.