Get answers to the questions you may have about using Prilosec OTC to treat frequent heartburn with just one pill a day.*
What does “OTC” stand for?
Is prescription Prilosec® the same as Prilosec OTC?
How does Prilosec OTC work?
Is Prilosec OTC strong enough to help me?
Will Prilosec OTC allow me to eat my favorite foods?
Is taking Prilosec OTC safe?
Does Prilosec OTC interact negatively with other drugs?
How often should I take Prilosec OTC?
How long can I take Prilosec OTC?
What if I miss a day of heartburn treatment?
How do I open the package?
What do I do after 14 days?
Can I take Prilosec OTC if I’m pregnant?
If I am taking Prilosec OTC, can I eat the foods that used to give me frequent heartburn?
Does Prilosec OTC work right away?
What happens if I take Prilosec OTC after I started to feel heartburn coming on?
If Prilosec OTC is available over-the-counter, why do I need to talk to my doctor?
Can I take Prilosec OTC more than once a day?
What does “OTC” stand for?
“OTC” stands for “over-the-counter.” Prilosec OTC became available over the counter in 2003.
Is prescription Prilosec® the same as Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are different in indication and dose form. Prilosec OTC is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more days per week). Prilosec is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of many other acid-related conditions. However, the omeprazole active ingredient in Prilosec became available over-the-counter in 2003 in the form of Prilosec OTC. Omeprazole magnesium, the active ingredient in Prilosec OTC, is equivalent to the active ingredient in Prilosec to treat frequent heartburn. Please follow the dosing instructions on the package or as directed by your physician.
How does Prilosec OTC work?
Prilosec OTC blocks frequent heartburn by shutting down many of the pumps in your stomach that produce excess acid.
Is Prilosec OTC strong enough to help me?
Prilosec OTC is in the strongest class of frequent heartburn medicines available over-the-counter. It blocks frequent heartburn before it begins with one pill a day for 14 days.*
Will Prilosec OTC allow me to eat my favorite foods?
Yes. Prilosec OTC blocks frequent heartburn before it begins so you can enjoy the foods you love.*
Is taking Prilosec OTC safe?
For more than two decades, doctors have prescribed Prilosec to safely treat acid-related conditions in millions of people.
Prilosec OTC has been tried by more than 27 million consumers1.
If you have any questions about Prilosec OTC, please call our consumer relations line at 1-800-289-9181.
Does Prilosec OTC interact negatively with other drugs?
It's possible. Before taking Prilosec OTC, let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any of the following: warfarin, clopidogrel or cilostazol (blood-thinning medicines), prescription antifungal or anti-yeast medicines, diazepam (anxiety medicine), digoxin (heart medicine), or tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (immune system medicines), prescription antiretrovirals (medicines for HIV infection) and methotrexate (arthritis medicine).
For more information on drug interaction with Prilosec OTC, visit this link.
How often should I take Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec OTC is a 14-day regimen that is indicated for three courses per year, but not more often than every 4 months. If you need to use Prilosec OTC for more than the three indicated 14-day courses of treatment, you should first consult your doctor. Here’s why: By talking with your doctor first, you and your doctor will ensure you’re not missing a bigger health problem, such as GERD, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you. Your doctor will confirm that Prilosec OTC should still be taken for your heartburn.
How long can I take Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec OTC is a 14-day regimen that is indicated for three courses per year. While Prilosec OTC is safe to treat frequent heartburn, it is also strong enough to mask more serious conditions. If you want to take more than the three indicated courses, first meet with your doctor, who will make sure that you don’t have a serious underlying condition, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.
What if I miss a day of heartburn treatment?
If you miss a day, just continue your treatment on the next day.
How do I open the package?
See how to open a Prilosec OTC package in three easy steps.
What do I do after 14 days?
If your frequent heartburn continues or returns after 14 days of treatment, discuss with your doctor your options for ongoing treatment using Prilosec OTC. Your doctor will take steps to ensure Prilosec OTC is not masking any potentially serious underlying conditions behind your frequent heartburn, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.
Can I take Prilosec OTC if I’m pregnant?
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a healthcare professional before use.
If I am taking Prilosec OTC, can I eat the foods that used to give me frequent heartburn?
Yes. Prilosec OTC blocks heartburn before it begins so you can enjoy the foods you love.*
Does Prilosec OTC work right away?
Prilosec OTC starts to work on the very first day of treatment, but may take 1 to 4 days for full effect (although some people get complete relief within 24 hours). Even though you may feel heartburn relief in the first few days, make sure to take the entire 14 days of dosing to treat your frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC is not meant for immediate relief. Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled.
What happens if I take Prilosec OTC after I started to feel heartburn coming on?
If you are a frequent heartburn sufferer, you don't have to wait until you have heartburn symptoms to take Prilosec OTC. It begins working on the very first day of treatment, and with one pill each morning for 14 days you can get zero heartburn.*
If Prilosec OTC is available over-the-counter, why do I need to talk to my doctor?
As with any OTC drug, it is important to read and follow all label directions. If you have questions regarding the label or use of Prilosec OTC, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take Prilosec OTC more than once a day?
No. As part of a course of therapy, take only one pill a day to treat frequent heartburn for 24 hours.* Take one pill a day with a glass of water before eating in the morning for 14 days. You may repeat this 14-day treatment every four months, or as directed by your doctor.
1P&G calculation based in part on Buying Households reported by the Nielsen Company through its Homescan Panel in the US market for Prilosec OTC for the period 8/31/03 through 6/28/14.