Prilosec

(omeprazole)

●●●●●
4.0/ 5 average rating with 1167 reviewsforomeprazole
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Treats heartburn and excess release of stomach acid.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Prilosec (omeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.

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Quick facts about omeprazole
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription or OTC
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (omeprazole)

Upsides

  • Prilosec (omeprazole) lasts longer (up to 72 hours) than other classes of acid reducers (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums).
  • Only take once or twice daily.
  • Can take together with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) for quick relief.
  • Generic and over-the-counter options available.
  • Safe to use in children ages 1 or older.
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What to expect from omeprazole, on one page

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People’s experience with omeprazole

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Downsides

  • Takes up to an hour to start noticing the effects of Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) can interact with other drugs. Let your doctor and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Long-term use of Prilosec (omeprazole) can put you at risk for many health issues such as osteoporosis, low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, and rebound acid secretion (where your body starts to create more acid than before after stoping Prilosec (omeprazole)).
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What to expect from omeprazole, on one page

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How it works

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It treats heartburn and heals ulcers by lowering the amount of acid in your stomach.

Quick facts about omeprazole
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription or OTC
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (omeprazole)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Powder
People’s experience with omeprazole

1167reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Prilosec (omeprazole) for GERD

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
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  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
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Side effect rates for Prilosec (omeprazole)

From 3096 clinical trials of omeprazole when taken for gerd
  • Headache
    7%7%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%5%
  • Nausea
    4%4%
  • Diarrhea
    4%4%
  • Vomiting
    3%3%
  • Flatulence
    3%3%
  • Acid regurgitation
    2%2%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    2%2%
  • Constipation
    2%2%
  • Dizziness
    2%2%
  • Rash
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of omeprazole.

Prilosec (omeprazole)
Placebo

People taking omeprazole felt side effect more

People taking omeprazole felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Prilosec (omeprazole)

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  • People taking Prilosec (omeprazole) for long-term use have developed certain types of cancers. The actual relationship between Prilosec (omeprazole) and cancer developement is still uncertian. To be safe, use Prilosec (omeprazole) at the lowest dose and for the shortest amout of time possible.

Common concerns from people taking Prilosec (omeprazole)

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Price
  • Talk to your doctor if you find yourself using over-the-counter Prilosec (omeprazole) for more than 14 days. Your doctor can help decide if Prilosec (omeprazole) is the best option for you, and see if there is any underlying cause for your heartburn.
Interactions
  • Avoid drug interactions by telling your doctor all of the other medications or herbal supplements you take before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Prilosec (omeprazole) can interact with other drugs. Let your doctor and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting Prilosec (omeprazole).
Food
  • Take 1 hour before a meal.
Kidneys and liver
  • In rare occasions, Prilosec (omeprazole) can damage your kidneys. This can happen at any time during treatment. Talk to your doctor of you notice any unusual symptoms of nausea, vomiting, malaise, rash, or fever.