Prilosec OTC Description

Does excessive burping, sore throat, painful burning in your chest, or having problems with sleep after eating sound like what you are experiencing? Prilosec OTC (over the counter) could be a solution to treat the symptoms of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or ulcers. Some people can reduce heartburn by changing their diet while others still find they are bothered by the excess stomach acid they produce. A fourteen day course of Prilosec OTC or generic Omeprazole can help treat or prevent the symptoms of GERD, heartburn, and ulcers and allow time for your stomach lining to heal. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Reduce Stomach Acid for Relief From Heartburn and GERD

Prilosec OTC is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump is an enzyme that causes the cells of your gastric mucosa found in the stomach lining to produce hydrochloric acid. This acid is in charge of breaking down the foods you eat so you benefit from the nutrients as well as protecting your stomach from harmful bacteria. Prilosec OTC blocks the proton pump enzyme to reduce acid production so your stomach, esophagus, and the first part of your intestine called the duodenum can heal any damage caused by the excess acid.

Take Prilosec OTC to Treat Ulcers Effectively

Ulcers are painful sores that can occur from the damage caused by higher levels of gastric acid that can harm your stomach lining. You may also develop an ulcer from long-term use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or from a rare disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that causes your body to produce higher levels of acid.

Other risk factors for developing an ulcer include being a smoker, family history of ulcers, high alcohol consumption, and you are 50 years of age or older. If it is found that your ulcer is due to H. pylori, you will need to see your doctor for an antibiotic drug that can be taken with Prilosec OTC.

Before You Start Prilosec OTC

Ask your pharmacist or doctor if Prilosec OTC is safe to take if you are pregnant, may become pregnant during the course of treatment, or are breast feeding. Prilosec OTC may interfere with other meds you are on so tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you have and list all OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Prilosec OTC Precautions

Even though Prilosec OTC does not require a prescription, you are not supposed to take this medication for longer than 14 days in a row and should not repeat the treatment course for at least 4 months. This is due to the higher risk of bone fractures with continued or long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, especially for people over the age of 50.

Possible Side Effects of Prilosec OTC

• Gas
• Headache
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

Drugs Similar to Prilosec OTC

• Axid
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