Prilosec OTC is a brand of the drug omerprazole. Omerprazole is used to treat GERD, or gatroesophageal reflux disease.
What Is Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec helps you treat GERD –
GERD happens when your stomach acid travels into the esophagus. When a backward flow happens, usually from indigestion, Prilosec can be used to treat it. The esophagus is the tube that connects your throat and stomach. When someone says they have heartburn, that’s GERD setting in.
Prilosec can be used to treat other conditions as well. Erosive esophagitis and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome can be treated with Prilosec OTC. Both of these conditions, cause the stomach to produce too much acid.
What Does Prilosec OTC Do?
Prilosec combats the effects of GERD. It also can be used to treat ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who are critically ill. The infection of Helicobacter pylori can be treated with Prilosec also. Prilosec falls in a class of drugs called PPIs. These are medicines that stop the stomach from producing acid. The drug is available through prescription, but Prilosec OTC is over the counter.
What are the Side Effects of Prilosec OTC?
Unfortunately, Prilosec does have some detrimental side effects from time to time. Side effects reported by customers of the drug report the following issues occurring in some cases:
- Hives, rash and itching when using the drug
- Severe swelling in the face, neck and head area as well as appendages
- Hoarseness
- Problems with breathing and swallowing
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Irregular heart beat and palpitations
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Seizures and stroke
- Shaking throughout the body
- Water stool and diarrhea
- High Fever
- Severe stomach pain
By no means are these side effects seen in every case. They are just seen in some unfortunate cases with patients taking the drug for long periods of time. Also, Prilosec will work incorrectly, not at all or cause complications when taken with several other supplements.
Along with supplements, Prilosec could cause issues with other medications and drugs. It’s best to consult with your doctor before you take any Prilosec OTC. The side effects of mixing the drug with other drugs could be harmful or in some cases fatal.
What Are the Warnings On Taking Prilosec OTC?
You only want to take Prilosec as directed. And you do not want to take it for more than two weeks. Also, a cycle should only be completed every four months unless directed by a doctor to do otherwise.
It’s designed for immediate relief of symptoms. But it could take a few days to feel the effects of Prilosec on the system. You’ll want to contact your doctor immediately if you see symptoms worsen.
If your symptoms return before your next cycle within the four-month period, you’ll want to call a doctor as well. It’s good to take the drug even when you feel well. You do not want to stop taking it until you’ve cleared hat with your doctor.
PPIs like Prilosec can put you at risk of an increased risk of breaking your bones. Your wrists, hips and spine will become particularly weakened if you take the drug for a long time. Also, some people develop a weakening in the stomach line when taking Prilosec OTC.
Also, if you’re Asian, consult your doctor first. And if you’re low in magnesium, you have to tell a doctor also. Any type of liver disease or kidney disease could be effected by the drug as well.
There are other things to look out for when taking Prilosec OTC:
- Heartburn that lasts for more than a few months.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Chest and shoulder pain.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Pains in the appendages.
- Sudden loss of weight.
- Sickness or nausea and vomiting.
- Problem with swallowing food or water.
- Blood in the stool.
Lastly, anyone who is older than 50 years of age, needs to consult a doctor prior to taking Prilosec.
The effects of Prilosec OTC on babies and pregnant mothers is unknown. Only take the drug as directed and when absolutely needed when pregnant.
What Do Customers Say About Prilosec OTC?
The dosages are small and manageable. You only need 20-40 mg a day which is 1-2 pills. It helps with a lot of symptoms and when used correctly is one of the best drugs on market for its specific purpose. Over 90% of all customers are very happy with the results from Prilosec OTC and its long term effects.
Prilosec doesn’t just prevent symptoms from occurring, but can actually help heal the cause of symptoms to create long term benefits. Even though there a lot of warnings, and possible side-effects, they are rarely a problem. The only time reviews spoke of complications was in long term treatment of very serious illnesses or through the misuse of the drug. Overdose can occur, but as long as customers stay within recommended dosages it is very unlikely.
Pros
- -Available over the counter without prescription of doctor’s visit
- -Only 1 dose a day is required to see effects
- -Effects of the drug are both short and long term
- -Affordable
- -Low risk
Cons
- -Possible risk of side effects
- -Unknown effects on babies within the whom
- -Can be misused
- -Does not mix well with a lot of substances
Prilosec OTC Review Summary
Yes, if you suffer from anything listed within this review. Prilosec OTC is considered safe, just make sure to consult a doctor before you start taking the drug. And make sure when you do, you use the drug only as directed in order to avoid side-effects and overdose. When used correctly, Prilosec OTC is ranked as one of the best drugs of its kind.
