What is heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acids reflux, or flow up, into the esophagus.

Prilosec OTC® is only indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn.

What is the difference between heartburn and frequent heartburn?
Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn occurring two or more days a week. Prilosec OTC is indicated for frequent heartburn.

What is GERD?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is chronic, persistent heartburn, and results from the improper working of the ring of muscle that normally keeps food and acids inside the stomach. When this muscle doesn’t work correctly, it allows acids to back up into the esophagus. Other signs of GERD include: regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, and a lump feeling in your throat. In some instances, these ailments surface even when heartburn’s usual symptoms are absent.

This can lead doctors to misdiagnose and patients to misunderstand these conditions because people with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) complaints often do not have heartburn symptoms.

Prilosec OTC is only indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn. If you think you may have GERD, please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about having a diagnostic screening test.

What does “OTC” stand for?
“OTC” stands for “over the counter.” Prilosec OTC became available over the counter in 2003.

Is prescription Prilosec the same as Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec OTC is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more days per week). Prilosec is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of many other acid-related conditions. However, the omeprazole active ingredient in Prilosec became available over the counter in 2003 in the form of Prilosec OTC. The active ingredient in Prilosec OTC (omeprazole magnesium), is equivalent to the active ingredient in Prilosec (omeprazole) to treat frequent heartburn.

How does Prilosec OTC work?
Prilosec OTC blocks heartburn by shutting down many of the pumps in your stomach that produce excess acid.

Is Prilosec OTC strong enough to help me?
Prilosec OTC is in the strongest class of frequent heartburn medicines available over the counter. It works by blocking the acid so you don’t get heartburn in the first place with one pill a day for 14 days. If you suffer from heartburn 2 or more days a week, try Prilosec OTC to treat your frequent heartburn.*²

Is Taking Prilosec OTC safe?
For more than two decades, doctors have prescribed Prilosec to treat acid-related conditions in millions of people. 26.8 million people have tried Prilosec OTC.¹ Prilosec OTC has effectively treated frequent heartburn for over 10 years.
Be sure to read package directions and use POTC properly. If you have any questions about Prilosec OTC, please call our consumer relations line at 1-800-289-9181.

How do I take Prilosec OTC?
For best effects, take one Prilosec OTC pill with a glass of water each morning before eating. Take once a day for 14 days. Do not take more than 1 tablet a day. Do not chew or crush tablets.

How often do I take Prilosec OTC?
Take one pill per day for 14 days every four months for up to three times a year. If you need to use Prilosec OTC for longer than 14 days or for more than three courses of treatment per year, consult your doctor. Here’s why: by talking with your doctor first, you and your doctor will ensure you’re not missing a bigger health problem, such as GERD, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.

How long can I take Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec OTC is a 14-day regimen that is indicated for up to three courses per year. Take one pill per day for 14 days every four months up to three times per year. While Prilosec OTC is safe for treating frequent heartburn, if you want to take more than the three indicated courses, first meet with your doctor, who will make sure that you don’t have a serious underlying condition, and that Prilosec OTC continues to be right for you.

What if I miss a day of heartburn treatment?

If you miss a day, just continue your treatment on the next day.

1 P&G Calculation based in part on Buying Households reported by the Nielsen Company through its Homescan Panel service in the US Market for Prilosec [OTC] for the period of 8/31/03 through 6/22/13.
2 *It’s possible while taking Prilosec OTC. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. May take 1-­ 4 days for full effect.
3 ^†AlphaImpactRx ProVoice™ Survey, Jan 2006 – Mar 2015
4 ^^Pharmacy Times Surveys, Acid Reducer/Heartburn Categories 2006 – 2015