Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor that can relieve symptoms of acid reflux, also known as heartburn. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the throat and chest. This can be painful and quite uncomfortable.
Acid reflux doesn’t always need medical treatment, but if it’s frequent and painful, medicine like Prilosec can help relieve heartburn by reducing your stomach acid levels.
How does Prilosec work?
Omeprazole, the active ingredient in Prilosec, is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pumps are enzymes found on the lining of your stomach and are responsible for producing stomach acid. By inhibiting them, less acid is produced, helping prevent acid reflux. [1]
What doses of Prilosec are there?
There are multiple doses of Prilosec available: 10mg, 20mg and 40 mg. The usual dose for adults is 10mg-40mg daily, depending on whether the food pipe is damaged.
Treated trusted source:
Shah N, Gossman W. Omeprazole. [Updated 2023 Feb 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 03, 2025. Next review due on March 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
PrilosecOmeprazole
How to take Prilosec
Swallow the tablets whole with water, preferably in the morning. They can be taken with or without food.
Your prescribed dosage will vary depending on the severity of your condition:
If you have a damaged food pipe, the usual dose is 20mg daily for 4-8 weeks.
If your food pipe has healed or is undamaged, it’s 20mg a day for up to four weeks.
Don’t stop taking Prilosec without informing your doctor.
How long does Prilosec take to work?
Prilosec won’t provide immediate relief; it will take one to four days for it to start working, but it can take up to four weeks to feel the full benefits. If you notice no improvement in your symptoms after four weeks, let your doctor know. They might increase your dose or suggest an alternative treatment.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Prilosec?
If you accidentally take more than the recommended amount, contact your local pharmacy for medical information.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 03, 2025. Next review due on March 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
PrilosecOmeprazole
Prilosec isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.
PrilosecOmeprazole
Prilosec: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
What is Prilosec OTC?
Answer:
Prilosec OTC is the over-the-counter version of standard Prilosec. Although both contain the same active ingredient, there are a few key differences:
Doses: Prilosec is available in three doses: 10mg, 20mg and 40mg, while Prilosec OTC is only available as a 20mg tablet.
Use: Prilosec can be prescribed for GERD, acid reflux and H. pylori infections, whereas Prilosec OTC is only intended for short-term relief of heartburn.
Pharmacy status: Prilosec is only available with a prescription, but Prilosec OTC is available over the counter.
Duration: Prilosec OTC is usually used for 14 days, but Prilosec can be used long-term under your doctor's supervision.
The best option for you will depend on what you're treating and how serious your condition is.
How does Prevacid compare with Prilosec?
Answer:
Prevacid and Prilosec are GERD treatments belonging to the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. While they work similarly, they contain different active ingredients – Prevacid contains lansoprazole, and Prilosec contains omeprazole.
In one study where the two were compared, both medicines increased stomach pH and reduced the occurrences of acid reflux, but lansoprazole was slightly more effective (79%) than omeprazole (69%). Additionally, patients using lansoprazole had fewer long reflux episodes than those using omeprazole. Overall, lansoprazole was found to be more effective.[1]
How does Prilosec compare to Nexium?
Answer:
Prilosec and Nexium belong to the same class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Although they contain different active ingredients—Nexium contains esomeprazole, and Prilosec contains omeprazole—they work in similar ways to relieve heartburn.
When the two were compared in a study, the results found that esomeprazole was more effective than omeprazole. Approximately 68% of patients using esomeprazole had a higher pH level than those using omeprazole (62%) on day 5, meaning esomeprazole was better at reducing stomach acid.[1]
Is there a generic version of Prilosec?
Answer:
Yes, Omeprazole is the generic version of Prilosec. Both medicines contain the same active ingredient at the same concentrations, making them equally effective. The differences are in packaging, manufacturing, and price. Typically, the generic version is cheaper than the branded equivalent.
Will I get side effects using Prilosec?
Answer:
There's a chance of experiencing side effects with Prilosec, such as:
Headache
Stomach pain
Stomach problems
Constipation
Gas
Nausea or vomiting
Benign polyps in the stomach
Not everyone experiences side effects, but if you do, they are usually temporary and should subside as your body adjusts to Prilosec.
If the side effects persist or are unmanageable, let your doctor know.
What is Prilosec used for?
Answer:
Prilosec is used to treat a range of conditions including:[2]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
Heartburn
Stomach ulcers, including those caused by H. pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Severe esophagitis
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where gastric tumours cause excess acid production.
It can also help prevent ulcers from forming.
Depending on the condition you're treating, the dosage will vary. Your doctor will ask a few medical questions and prescribe the dose most suitable and effective for you.
Treated trusted source:
Röhss K, et al.Effect of esomeprazole 40 mg vs omeprazole 40 mg on 24-hour intragastric pH in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2002 May;47(5):954-8.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Mar 02, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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