Prilosec

Prilosec (Omeprazole) can medicine ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, inflammations caused by acid, and, if used with antibiotics, H. pylori stomach infection.

Drug Name

Trade Mark Name: Prilosec
Generic Name: Omeprazole

How Taken

Adults should take 20-40 mg a day to treat ulcers (4-8 weeks), H. pylori infections (10-28 days), GERD; severe heartburns can require up to 2 weeks.

A daily initial dose for adults with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is 60 mg. Though, in the course of treatment, it may be adapted. Doses are to be split if they exceed 80 mg. For Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome doses may be up to 120 mg thrice a day.

Omeprazole is to be taken in whole tablets, without crushing or chewing.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Omeprazole together with lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium) belong to the drug class of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Their aim is to restrict acid production in the stomach.

The mechanism of healing is based on reduction of acid production through blocking the enzyme in the stomach walls. Omeprazole OTC is a nonprescription drug.