Medications
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Prilosec OTC
Prilosec OTC is commonly used to treat recurring heartburn. Belonging to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors, the medication reduces the amount of acid in the stomach by blocking certain acid production sites. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. Some of the more common side effects of Prilosec OTC include upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, and headaches.
Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole magnesium) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring at least twice a week) in adults.
Prilosec OTC is made by Procter and Gamble.
(Click Prilosec Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses and uses for prescription-strength Prilosec.)
Prilosec OTC is part of a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. Prilosec OTC works by binding to these proton pumps, stopping the production of acid. it is very effective at decreasing acid production.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Prilosec OTC include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- Prilosec OTC is not intended for rapid heartburn relief, as it can take one to four days to start working.
- Prilosec OTC has a special coating that prevents stomach acid from destroying the medication. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Prilosec OTC will not work if you stop taking it.
There is just one dose of Prilosec OTC recommended by the manufacturer (Prilosec OTC 20 mg once daily). However, your healthcare provider may recommend a different dose, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any medication, do not take more than recommended unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Prilosec Dosage for more information about dosing guidelines for all forms of Prilosec, including Prilosec OTC.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Prilosec OTC. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Based on studies of prescription Prilosec, the most common side effects of Prilosec OTC can include:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold.
(Click Prilosec Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Prilosec OTC can potentially interact with other medicines (see Prilosec Interactions for more information).
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this drug if you have:
- Any signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as blood in the stool, unusually dark stool, or vomiting blood
- Have had heartburn for over three months (this may be a sign of more serious conditions)
- Have heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness
- Chest pain, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack
- Wheezing, especially with heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Liver disease.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Prilosec and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Prilosec and Breastfeeding).
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you currently take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Prilosec Warnings and Precautions for more information, including information on who should not take this drug.)
For most people, Prilosec OTC is quite effective at treating GERD, ulcers, or other digestive problems. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute medications include:
- H2 blockers
- Antacids or foaming agents
- Other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Other alternatives include dietary changes (see GERD Diet) and surgery (for more serious problems).
(Click Prilosec Alternatives to learn more about the alternatives to Prilosec OTC. Click Treatment Options for GERD to learn other ways of managing this condition.)
People who take too much Prilosec OTC may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and flushing
- Headaches
- Dry mouth.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Prilosec Overdose for more information.)
Prilosec OTC should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
If you do not take your Prilosec OTC as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC is available in one strength -- Prilosec OTC 20 mg tablets.
There is currently no generic Prilosec OTC licensed for sale. There are, however, similar (but not identical) generic omeprazole OTC products currently available.
(Click Generic Prilosec for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
