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).

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.

Both over-the-counter omeprazole and prescription omeprazole have the same active ingredient and work the same way. However, prescription omeprazole is used to treat diseases that require consultation with a doctor. The prescription dosage may also be used for a longer period of time than when taken as an OTC.

A: 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). Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled.

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

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.

Night-time doses are typically for patients who suffer from severe acid reflux or nocturnal acid reflux symptoms. If you take omeprazole at night, it's best to do so 1-2 hours before you go to bed.

Generally, you shouldn't use OTC omeprazole for longer than 14 days unless directed by a healthcare provider. For prescription omeprazole, you should take it as prescribed.

Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled. * When used as directed for 14 days for treating frequent heartburn. Not for immediate relief.

Stopping PPI treatment can cause rebound acid hypersecretion, leading to the transient appearance of symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn or regurgitation.

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.

Prilosec (omeprazole) reduces the production of stomach acid by works by irreversibly blocking the actions of an enzyme responsible for acid production, called H+/K+ ATPase (also known as the gastric proton pump). The proton pump is located in the parietal cells of the stomach wall.