Prilosec & Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)

 Q. When was Prilosec approved by the FDA?

A. This drug was approved as a prescription by the FDA in 1989 

Q. What is Prilosec and what kind of treatment it is used for?

A. It is a medication that is used to treat frequent heartburn. It is important to note that this drug is not intended to be used by patients with occasional heartburn issues. Frequent heartburn is when you have heartburn 2 or more days a week. 

Prilosec (Omeprazole) is intended to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. Sometimes omeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers associated with infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria 

Q. How does Prilosec stop heartburn?

A. People get heartburn from the acid created in the stomach. Prilosec prevents the stomach from making that acid. 

Q. Prilosec vs. Prilosec OTC – Does Prilosec OTC work the way prescription Prilosec works?

A. Both prescription and over the counter medication contain the same active ingredient omeprazole which treats heartburn by stopping the acid production. Prescription strength one is intended for conditions that needs to be looked at by the physician and needs diagnosis. Prilosec OTC will only treat conditions of frequent heartburn and will not treat conditions that need prescription strength of the medication. If you are not sure – consult your doctor. 

Q. Should I take prescription Prilosec or Prilosec OTC?

A. Although both the drugs contain the same active ingredient called omeprazole, prescription strength Prilosec is for treating conditions such as inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers, and other medical conditions for which a doctor’s supervision is required. 

Q. Is there any certain Prilosec dosage recommended?

A. Prescription strength Prilosec dosage is different in every patient based on the condition. See your doctor about which Prilosec dosage is right for you.

Warning: Stop taking Prilosec OTC and tell your doctor if you:

• are not feeling better and your heartburn continues to worsen

• need to take this product for more than 14 days

• need to take more than 1 course of treatment every 4 months

Prilosec OTC is not appropriate for adults who:

• have only occasional heartburn

• have one episode of heartburn a week or less

• want immediate relief of heartburn

It is important to know that there is another drug called Nexium that treats heartburn. If you are not sure whether prilosec or nexium is the right one for you, consult your doctor to learn about prilosec vs. nexium and which one is appropriate for your condition. 

Prilosec Side Effects

Information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. Prilosac is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble. This site is not affiliated or endorsed with Procter & Gamble in any way.