Prilosec® (omeprazole) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Some of the uses of prescription Prilosec include treating:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the intestine after the stomach).
- Helicobacter pylori infections associated with duodenal ulcers -- The medication is used in combination with antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, helping to heal duodenal ulcers.
- Benign (noncancerous) gastric ulcers (or stomach ulcers).
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- Prilosec helps to treat GERD by relieving heartburn and healing esophagitis (damage to the esophagus).
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions -- The medication helps treat these conditions (when too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC is approved to treat frequent heartburn that occurs at least twice a week.
Prilosec is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
Prilosec OTC is made by Proctor and Gamble.
Prilosec is part of a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). 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 is very effective at decreasing acid production.
Several studies have looked at how well Prilosec treats several conditions.
Ulcers
In one study for duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), they were healed in 75 percent of people who took Prilosec after four weeks of treatment. Only 27 percent of people who were not taking the drug had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks. Studies have also shown that Prilosec can prevent duodenal ulcers from returning.
In studies looking at Prilosec for gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer) treatment, the drug healed the stomach ulcers in up to 82.7 percent of the people within eight weeks; ulcers healed in 48.1 percent of people who were not on the medication.
Studies have also shown that taking it in combination with certain antibiotics helps to eliminate H. pylori bacteria and to heal ulcers due to H. pylori.
GERD and Esophagitis
Studies have looked at using Prilosec for gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD). These studies have shown that up to 56 percent of people had complete relief from their GERD symptoms, compared to 14 percent of people not taking the medication. These studies also showed that Prilosec helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD and helped keep erosive esophagitis from returning.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Prilosec has been studied in the treatment of several pathological hypersecretory conditions, in which too much stomach acid is produced, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These studies showed that the medication is effective at decreasing the production of stomach acid and relieving symptoms.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Prilosec include the following:
- 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.
- The medication is best taken on an empty stomach, half an hour before a meal.
- The capsules should not be chewed or crushed, as they contain tiny granules with a special coating that prevents stomach acid from destroying the medication. Prilosec OTC tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.
- For people who have difficulty swallowing capsules, Prilosec capsules (but not tablets) can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot and should be swallowed (without chewing) immediately.
- Take your dose(s) at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Prilosec will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Prilosec your healthcare provider recommends will vary, 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 is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Prilosec. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite 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.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Prilosec Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Prilosec?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you have:
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Prilosec?
People who take too much Prilosec may have symptoms that can include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and flushing
- Headaches
- Dry mouth.
How Should Prilosec Be Stored?
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Prilosec?
If you do not take your Prilosec 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.
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.
Is There a Generic Version of Prilosec?
Currently, generic prescription Prilosec is available. Technically, there is no generic Prilosec OTC available, but there are similar (but not identical) generic
omeprazole OTC products currently available.
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