Prilosec
Generic Name:
Omeprazole (Prilosec), Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC)
Brand Names:
Antra, Gastroloc, Losec, Mopral, Omepral, Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid, Zegerid OTC
Prilosec Description:
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, that is indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as heartburn, and other conditions involving excess acid in the stomach. Prilosec is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, and Prilosec OTC is the number one selling over-the-counter medication to treat frequent heartburn.
Prilosec Side Effects:
The most commonly reported side effects of Prilosec and Prilosec OTC include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
For more information, see our Prilosec side effects page.
Prilosec Uses:
Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are used in the treatment of frequent heartburn that occurs two or more days per week. The medication helps block acid production in the stomach’s acid pumps, making the stomach less acidic. Prilosec and Prilosec OTC provide relief from persistent heartburn but cannot be used for immediate relief, as the medications may take up to four days to become effective. Prilosec OTC is the over-the-counter version of omeprazole that is used once a day for 14 days to treat heartburn.
Prescription proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec can treat other conditions involving excess stomach acid, including peptic ulcer disease (PUD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and gastric ulcers. When combined with clarithromycin and amoxicillin, prescription Prilosec can treat infections of Helicobacter pylori, the cause of most peptic and duodenal ulcers.
Prilosec Interactions:
The following drugs should not be combined with Prilosec or Prilosec OTC treatment, as interactions may occur:
- Antifungal or anti-yeast medications
- Atazanavir (Reyataz)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin)
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Gingko biloba
- Iron salts
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Nelfinavir (Viracept)
- Saquinavir (Invirase)
- St. John’s Wort
- Tacrolimus (Prograf)
- Voriconazole (Vfend)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
Prilosec Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation
Prescription strength Prilosec is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and sometimes 80 mg tablets. For the treatment of GERD, the recommended dose of Prilosec is 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. For the treatment of H. Pylori infection, 20 mg of Prilosec is taken twice daily for 10 to 28 days, along with 500 mg clarithromycin twice per day and 1000 mg amoxicillin twice per day. For the treatment of duodenal ulcers, 20 mg of Prilosec is taken for 4 to 8 weeks.
Prilosec OTC is only available as 20 mg tablets. Prilosec OTC is taken once a day (every 24 hours) for 14 days. Tablets should be taken in the morning with a full glass of water before eating. Tablets should never be crushed, chewed, or mixed with food. Treatment with Prilosec OTC can be repeated once every 4 months if needed.
Missing a Dose of Prilosec
If you miss a dose of Prilosec, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose on this medication.
Prilosec Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed on Prilosec or Prilosec OTC. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting
Prilosec FDA Approval:
September 14, 1989
Prilosec Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is currently no Black Box warning on Prilosec.
Other Warnings
Combination with Plavix
In November 2009, the FDA released a warning to avoid combining Prilosec or Prilosec OTC with the anti-clotting drug Plavix (clopidogrel). Studies showed that when taken together, the effectiveness of Plavix is reduced by about half. Patients needing to take Plavix in combination with stomach acid reducers should talk to their doctor to determine safe medications.
Sources:
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=PRILOSEC%20OTC
- http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm191169.htm
- http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm143258.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601471
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