Prilosec
® (omeprazole) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Specifically, Prilosec can help treat conditions such as
gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD), duodenal ulcers, and
H. pylori infections. There is also an over-the-counter
Prilosec OTC® (
omeprazole magnesium) available for treating
heartburn. Prilosec OTC is approved to treat frequent heartburn that occurs at least twice a week.
When using Prilosec for heartburn, the medication works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, Prilosec is very effective at decreasing acid production. The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. The medication works by binding to these proton pumps, stopping the production of acid.
Prilosec comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth once or twice a day. The over-the-counter version is available in tablet form.
Prilosec capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Prilosec 10 mg
- Prilosec 20 mg
- Prilosec 40 mg.
The over-the-counter version is available in one strength -- Prilosec OTC 20 mg tablets.
(Click Prilosec for a more in-depth look at using Prilosec medication for heartburn and other conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This article also discusses how Prilosec works and offers information on general precautions, dosages, and potential side effects.)
