Prilosec OTC is used to treat frequent heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the stomach contents back up and out of the stomach into the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach).

Each delayed-release capsule contains either 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of omeprazole in the form of enteric-coated granules with the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, disodium hydrogen phosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, mannitol, sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients.

The FDA warns about overusing Prilosec OTC. It says people should not take over-the-counter PPIs for more than 14 days. The FDA also warns against taking more than three 14 day courses in a year. Overuse may lead to serious Prilosec side effects.

Take omeprazole capsules or delayed-release capsules before a meal, preferably in the morning. Omeprazole tablets may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Take omeprazole powder for oral suspension on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal.

Long-term Prilosec use has been linked to kidney damage, bone fractures and other dangerous side effects. Unlike prescription Prilosec, Prilosec OTC is safe to treat frequent heartburn. Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch content to ensure its accuracy and quality.

Prilosec is a powerful heartburn medicine. It suppresses the body's ability to produce stomach acid. Studies link Prilosec to serious side effects. Serious Prilosec side effects include increased risk of kidney failure and cancer.

Omeprazole isn't an antacid They work by neutralizing stomach acid. Examples of antacids include calcium carbonate (Tums) and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids). Like antacids, omeprazole is available OTC. But omeprazole isn't an antacid.

Long-term Prilosec use has been linked to kidney damage, bone fractures and other dangerous side effects. Unlike prescription Prilosec, Prilosec OTC is safe to treat frequent heartburn. Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch content to ensure its accuracy and quality.

Side Effects

• Back, leg, or stomach pain.
• bleeding or crusting sores on the lips.
• blisters.
• bloody or cloudy urine.
• continuing ulcers or sores in the mouth.
• difficult, burning, or painful urination.
• frequent urge to urinate.
• general feeling of discomfort or illness.

It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus.

Common Prilosec side effects include headache, stomach pain and nausea. Long-term Prilosec use has been linked to kidney damage, bone fractures and other dangerous side effects. Unlike prescription Prilosec, Prilosec OTC is safe to treat frequent heartburn.