Prilosec Uses

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. Acid reflux is a term meaning the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The stomach is designed to be able to handle the acid it produces; the esophagus, however, is not. When too much stomach acid is in contact with the esophagus for too long, damage to the lining of the esophagus occurs, causing the symptoms of GERD (see What is GERD? for more information).

 

A few of the more common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, feeling like food is stuck in your throat, a choking feeling, an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, and chest pain. Prilosec is approved to treat the symptoms of GERD. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach.

 

Prilosec also works to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) caused by GERD and can be used to prevent the reoccurrence of esophagitis.

 

There are several conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. These conditions include Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas, systemic mastocytosis, and "short-gut" syndrome. Prilosec can treat these conditions by decreasing the production of stomach acid.

 

How Does Prilosec Work?

Prilosec is part of a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. Prilosec works by binding to these proton pumps, stopping the production of acid. Prilosec is very effective at decreasing acid production.

 

Prilosec Uses in Children

Prilosec is approved for use in children as young as two years old. Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC is approved only for adults age 18 and older.