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Generic Prilosec

There is a generic Prilosec currently available. Generic OTC omeprazole versions are also available, although these products are not identical to Prilosec OTC. However, in many cases, healthcare providers will recommend that people use over-the-counter Prilosec OTC rather than Prilosec (or generic Prilosec) because it is less expensive.

 

Generic Prilosec: An Overview

Prilosec® (omeprazole) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Prilosec is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole magnesium) is also available for treating heartburn.
 
Prilosec is manufactured by AstraZeneca, while Prilosec OTC is made by Procter and Gamble. The patents for prescription Prilosec have expired and there are generic versions of prescription Prilosec available. Generic OTC omeprazole versions are also available, although these products are not identical to Prilosec OTC.
 

Generic Prescription Prilosec

Generic prescription Prilosec capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Omeprazole 10 mg capsules
  • Omeprazole 20 mg capsules.

 

Generic Prilosec OTC

Technically.
 there are no generic versions of Prilosec OTC (which contains omeprazole magnesium). Generic omeprazole 20 mg OTC tablets are available, but they cannot be considered to be strictly equivalent to Prilosec OTC (they contain omeprazole, not omeprazole magnesium). Most healthcare providers (and consumers) would agree that this difference is not important for most people. For practical purposes, the generic versions should be considered to be equivalent to Prilosec OTC. 

 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;