Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole magnesium) is an over-the-counter medication that can help relieve frequent heartburn in adults. The medication works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Prilosec OTC comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day. Among the conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about before you take Prilosec OTC are any signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. If Prilosec OTC does not control your heartburn or if you develop bothersome side effects, there are alternatives to Prilosec OTC, such as H2 blockers, antacids, or other proton pump inhibitors.
(To read the full eMedTV article on this drug, click Prilosec OTC. Among the topics covered in this article are the effects of Prilosec OTC, general dosing guidelines, and potential side effects that can occur with the use of Prilosec OTC.)