Prilosec: Advanced Acid Control for Lasting Heartburn Relief
Prilosec
| Product dosage: 10mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 270 | 0.58 $ | 186.03 $ 157.95 $ (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | 0.57 $
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| Product dosage: 20mg | |||
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| 360 | 0.60 $
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Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) designed for the clinical management of frequent heartburn and acid-related disorders. By targeting the proton pumps in the stomach lining, it provides sustained reduction of gastric acid production, offering patients a scientifically-backed approach to symptom control and mucosal healing. This medication is indicated for short-term treatment and maintenance therapy under professional supervision, ensuring both efficacy and safety in appropriate patient populations.
Features
- Active ingredient: Omeprazole 20 mg delayed-release tablets
- Mechanism: Irreversible inhibition of H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system (proton pump) at the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells
- Formulation: Enteric-coated to prevent degradation in gastric acid, ensuring optimal delivery to the small intestine for absorption
- Onset of action: Significant acid suppression typically begins within 1 hour, with maximum effect occurring after 4 days of repeated dosing
- Duration: Provides up to 72 hours of acid control with a single daily dose after a full course of treatment
- FDA-approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use in adults 18 years and older for frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days per week)
Benefits
- Achieves profound and prolonged suppression of gastric acid secretion, facilitating esophageal and gastric mucosal healing
- Effectively reduces the frequency and severity of heartburn episodes, allowing for improved quality of life and daily functioning
- Provides consistent 24-hour heartburn relief with once-daily dosing, supporting adherence to therapy
- Minimizes nocturnal acid breakthrough, a common concern in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Supports the management of erosive esophagitis and reduces risk of recurrence when used as maintenance therapy
- Allows for dietary and lifestyle flexibility without constant concern for acid reflux symptoms
Common use
Prilosec is commonly used for the treatment of frequent heartburn occurring two or more days per week. It is also indicated for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including symptomatic relief and healing of erosive esophagitis. Additionally, it is used in the treatment of gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection (as part of combination therapy), pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and for the reduction of risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients. The medication is typically employed when antacids or H2 receptor antagonists provide insufficient symptom control.
Dosage and direction
For OTC use in frequent heartburn: Take one 20 mg tablet daily with a glass of water before eating in the morning. Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Treatment should continue for 14 days, and may be repeated every 4 months if needed (do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor).
For prescription use in GERD and erosive esophagitis: Adults typically take 20-40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks. Maintenance therapy is usually 20 mg daily.
For H. pylori eradication: 40 mg once daily (as part of combination therapy with antibiotics) for 10-14 days.
For hypersecretory conditions: Initial dose 60 mg once daily; dosage may be adjusted based on patient response. Doses above 80 mg should be divided.
Take at least 30 minutes before a meal, preferably before breakfast. Do not exceed recommended dosage without medical supervision.
Precautions
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration appropriate to the condition being treated
- Long-term use (particularly beyond one year) may be associated with increased risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine)
- May cause vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use due to decreased gastric acid
- Hypomagnesemia may occur with prolonged treatment; monitor magnesium levels before initiation and periodically during treatment
- Not intended for immediate relief of heartburn; may take 1-4 days for full effect
- Not recommended for use beyond 14 days without medical consultation for OTC formulations
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; consider dose reduction in severe liver disease
- May increase risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Avoid use in patients with suspected gastric malignancy, as symptom relief may delay diagnosis
- Periodic monitoring of liver function tests may be warranted during prolonged therapy
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to omeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles, or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with rilpivirine-containing products due to potential for reduced antiviral efficacy
- Use of clopidogrel with omeprazole due to potential interaction that may reduce clopidogrel’s effectiveness
- Patients with a history of acute interstitial nephritis with prior PPI use
- Not recommended for use in children under 18 years for OTC indications
- Avoid use in patients with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (due to sucrose content in some formulations)
Possible side effect
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10):
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Constipation
Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100):
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Rare (<1/1,000):
- Hypomagnesemia (may present as muscle spasms, arrhythmias, seizures)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Hepatic enzyme elevations
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus
- Fractures of hip, wrist, or spine with long-term use
Very rare:
- Severe dermatological reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Hyponatremia
- Gynecomastia
- Microscopic colitis
Drug interaction
- Clopidogrel: Omeprazole may reduce antiplatelet activity; avoid concomitant use
- HIV medications: May reduce concentrations of atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, saquinavir
- Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate levels and toxicity
- Diazepam: May increase diazepam exposure
- Warfarin: May increase INR and risk of bleeding; monitor closely
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin absorption
- Tacrolimus: May increase tacrolimus exposure
- St. John’s Wort, rifampin: May decrease omeprazole concentrations
- Iron salts, ketoconazole, itraconazole: May reduce absorption of these medications
- Cilostazol: May increase cilostazol concentrations
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. If taking once daily and more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Maintaining consistent timing is important for optimal acid control, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact overall efficacy.
Overdose
Experience with omeprazole overdose is limited. Doses up to 2,400 mg (120 times the usual dose) have been reported with minimal adverse effects. Possible manifestations may include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, diazepam, dry mouth, and flushing. Omeprazole is not dialyzable. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical attention. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote for omeprazole overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the blister pack is torn or broken. Do not transfer to other containers. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date. Protect from light and excessive humidity.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. The information provided here may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. The manufacturer’s prescribing information should be consulted for complete details.
Reviews
“After years of struggling with GERD, Prilosec has been life-changing. The 14-day course provided relief that lasted for months. I appreciate that it’s available OTC but also appreciate my gastroenterologist’s supervision for long-term management.” - Michael T., 54
“As a nurse, I value evidence-based treatments. Prilosec’s mechanism of action is well-established, and I’ve seen excellent results in both myself and patients. The delayed-release formulation makes a significant difference in efficacy compared to immediate-acting antacids.” - Sarah J., 41
“I was initially skeptical about taking a PPI, but my doctor explained the risk-benefit profile thoroughly. After three months of treatment, my endoscopy showed complete healing of erosive esophagitis. I’m now on maintenance dosing with periodic monitoring.” - Robert L., 62
“The 24-hour protection is remarkable. I take it before breakfast and don’t have to worry about heartburn throughout the day or night. It’s much more convenient than carrying antacids everywhere.” - Maria K., 38
“I experienced some initial bloating and headache, but these side effects subsided after the first week. The benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. My quality of sleep has improved significantly since starting treatment.” - David P., 49