What is the difference between over the counter prilosec and prescription prilosec

Prilosec OTC begins to work on the very first day of treatment, although it may take one to four days to have full effect. In fact, clinical studies showed that after taking the first dose of their day course of Prilosec OTC, about half of the people were free of heartburn in the first 24 hours, compared with a significantly lower number of people taking placebo. And over a day course of treatment, an increasing number of people taking Prilosec OTC reported complete heartburn relief.

Prilosec OTC works differently than many other OTC heartburn medications because it shuts down acid production at the source—the active acid pumps in the stomach. One daily dose of Prilosec OTC can work up to 24 hours. Prilosec OTC is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn and is not for immediate relief.

Prilosec OTC delivers the same medicine at the same dose as 20 mg prescription Prilosec. Prilosec OTC is available over-the-counter and is indicated for people with frequent heartburn, heartburn occurring two or more days a week.

Prilosec OTC is to be used once a day every 24 hours , every day for 14 days, but not more often than every 4 months unless directed otherwise by a doctor. As part of a day course of therapy, a patient swallows one pill each day with a glass of water before eating in the morning to treat frequent heartburn for 24 hours.

According to a later study in , esomeprazole offered faster relief than omeprazole in the first week of use. After one week, symptom relief was similar. They cited concerns such as:. The authors analyzed 41 studies on the effectiveness of PPIs. Until March , Nexium was available only by prescription and at a significantly higher price.

However, generic omeprazole may be less expensive than Prilosec OTC. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to decide which PPI is best for you. In addition to cost, consider things like:. A link to possible dementia risk was reported in , but a larger confirmatory study in determined that there was no increased risk of dementia from using PPIs. Many people experience excess acid production when they stop using PPIs.

At the end of the recommended treatment duration, you should taper off of the medication gradually. Work with your doctor to do so. Before taking either medication, talk to your doctor to learn about the risk factors and drug interactions associated with them. Always tell your doctor about all the drugs, herbs, and vitamins you take. Prilosec and Nexium can interact with other medications you might be taking.

The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA has issued a warning that the drug in Prilosec reduces the effectiveness of the blood thinner clopidogrel Plavix. Other drugs can interact with Nexium or Prilosec, but may still be taken with either drug. Tell your doctor if you take any of these drugs so they can evaluate your risk:. Lifestyle changes should be your first steps in controlling GERD and heartburn. You may want to try:. Over time, long-term GERD can lead to esophageal cancer.

GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic form of heartburn. Learn about symptoms and treatment. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Learn how to prevent and treat it with lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery….

At times, it is also prescribed along with antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers arising due to Helicobactor pylori infections. This drug cannot render immediate relief from heartburns. Prilosec tablet should be taken 30 minutes before meals. The pill should be swallowed as a whole without chewing because it may damage the coating which is designed to protect the stomach.

Granular suspension should only be taken with apple juice. Sometimes the granular suspension is delivered through nasogastric feeding tube. There are a number of harmful effects of Prilosec. Animal studies have shown chronic usage may cause stomach cancers although it is not confirmed with humans up to date.

Tendency to increase bone fracture in hips, wrists, and spine is also found through clinical studies.