Why is omeprazole a 14 day treatment

When will Prilosec OTC be available? FDA originally approved prescription Prilosec in 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. Frequent heartburn is when you have heartburn 2 or more days a week. Prilosec OTC is not the right medicine for you if you have occasional heartburn, one episode of heartburn a week or less, or if you want immediate relief of heartburn.

It is very important that you carefully read and understand the Prilosec OTC label directions, warnings, and side effects. Most importantly, the label will tell you when you should seek medical attention instead of taking Prilosec OTC. Both prescription Prilosec and Prilosec OTC contain the same active ingredient, omeprazole, which effectively stops acid production. Prescription Prilosec treats diseases that require diagnosis and supervision by a doctor.

Prilosec OTC treats only symptoms of frequent heartburn. If your frequent heartburn continues or returns after 14 days of treatment, stop use and talk to your doctor. Your doctor will take steps to ensure Prilosec OTC is not masking any potentially serious underlying conditions behind your frequent heartburn, and determine if Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.

Prilosec OTC blocks heartburn before it begins so you can enjoy the foods you love, as a part of a heartburn-friendly diet. As part of a course of therapy, take only one pill a day to treat frequent heartburn for 24 hours. You may repeat this day treatment every four months, or as directed by your doctor. As with any OTC medication, it is important to read and follow all label directions to ensure proper dosing and to avoid drug interactions.

Prilosec OTC is to be used once a day, every day for 14 days as a course of treatment. Do not take for more than 14 days or more oftent han every 4 months unless directed by a doctor. It's possible. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug. Acid reducers may interact with certain prescription drugs.

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.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.