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Overview
Prilosec is the first of a new class of drugs that combat acid secretion by blocking the final step.
This so-called proton pump is prescribed for the short-term treatment of duodenal ulcer and for conditions of abnormal acidity such as serious heartburn (GERD) or the rare Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
It has a very quick onset and is extremely effective in reducing stomach acid.
Prilosec should not be prescribed as maintenance therapy to keep ulcers from coming back.
Side Effects and Interactions
Prilosec is generally well tolerated. However, headache, diarrhea, stomachache, muscle weakness and rash have been reported.
Other adverse reactions that have been reported less commonly include constipation, cough, fatigue, sore throat and vomiting. Report any symptoms or suspected reactions to your physician promptly.
Prilosec slows the elimination of several drugs that must be processed by the liver, including the anxiety medicine Valium, the anti-epileptic Dilantin and the blood thinner Coumadin.
Blood levels of these drugs may rise and side effects become a problem. If you take both Prilosec and Coumadin, tell your doctor right away if you experience any unusual bruising, bleeding, reddish urine or blackened stools. Prilosec is also reported to blood levels of Sandimmune or Antabuse.
Many other prescription drugs require acidity for absorption. Prilosec can interfere with such medicines, which include Nizoral, ampicillin and iron supplements, among others.
People taking acid-suppressing drugs such as Prilosec should not take enteric-coated peppermint oil. The enteric coating is designed to keep the oil from being absorbed until it reaches the more alkaline lower intestine. But when there is very little stomach acid, the enteric coating may dissolve prematurely, releasing the oil into the stomach.
In older people with too little stomach acid or in patients taking a strong acid suppressor such as Prilosec, vitamin B12 absorption may be impaired. Cranberry juice appears to improve the absorption of this crucial vitamin in such cases.
Be sure to check with your pharmacist and physician about potential interactions before taking any other medication or herb in combination with Prilosec.
Special Precautions
Animal studies have shown that Prilosec is associated with a dose-related increase in stomach cancers. It is not known whether this risk also applies to humans.
In addition, because it is so effective at reducing stomach acid concentrations, patients taking this medicine have higher levels of certain microorganisms in their stomachs than would normally survive there.
Scientists do not yet know whether these bacteria have negative long-term consequences.
Regular supplementation with vitamins C and E might in theory provide protection against nitrosamines produced by the bacteria.
People with liver disease have more trouble metabolizing Prilosec. Older people also remove the drug from circulation more slowly.
Taking the Medicine
Prilosec should be taken before meals.
These delayed-release capsules should not be opened, crushed or chewed, as that might expose them to stomach acid. The medication can be inactivated by acid.
Antacids may be taken with Prilosec if they are needed.
I never get heartburn but I have a chronic cough. A chest X-ray ruled out a lung problem. My endoscopy showed an irritated esophagus. My MD wants me to take a 6-week course of Prilosec OTC. The package says not to take it for more than 2 weeks. Should I be worried about taking it for the 6 weeks? I was thinking about trying DGL instead.
I have taken Prilosec for GERD for several years, and OTC since it has become available. It seems to me that OTC is not as effective anymore. Has my condition worsened or is the generic version just not doing the job?
I'm considering new tests by a Gastroenterologist. Any comments?
I've been taking 40 MG Omeprazole 2x daily since 2004 to treat Barrett's esophagus. At the time I was diagnosed I was told that I no longer have a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. In 2004 I was about 20-25 pounds overweight, but in the past four years I have gained another 20 pounds. I strive to eat healthy and eat small portions. I rarely eat processed foods, no soft drinks or alcohol and I've never smoked. I walk at least 30 minutes/day and sometimes twice a day. Yet I don't lose weight. Recently, I've been plagued with stomach bloating after eating. I'm wondering if the medication may be interfering with my metabolism and/or causing the bloating. I'm 57 and I don't have any other health problems and no other medications.
I am allergic to Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and Aciphex. I take Zyrtec and then Prilosec but found since I take Vitamin B12 (333 MG) my problem with Prilosec greatly improved.
PMG, what exactly are you allergic to? I developed a rash after taking Prilosec and Protonix; dr said never heard of this side effect. I know I'm allergic to sulfa drugs, but it's not in any of these.
I found Prilosec OTC more effective than Protonix and less expensive. Pharmacists and a doctor assured me it was OK to take regularly. However, I developed thick callouses on my palms that would crack and bleed. After 3 years & many fruitless visits to a dermatologist, I stopped Prilosec and 6 weeks later the condition cleared. After returning to Protonix-generic, I developed a spreading rash that has persisted, but is healing, 2 months after stopping Protonix. A biopsy indicated no infection. Is this common? I have an appointment with my GI doctor, but can't really trust the medical professionals.
I was taking Prilosec prescription strength for heartburn due to an hiatal hernia. The OTC kind did not work. After a second endoscopy the doctor said I still have esophagitis and increased the dose.
I have noticed a rash on my thigh and it has started on the other one after about a week or so. I am also on dyazide for my BP. I actually was in the MD's office when I first noticed the rash, so it was before she increased the dose.
I am having a problem with lethargy when I tried to just walk 2 miles. I'm confused because I have been on the prilosec for several months already before these symptoms showed up. I have a slight wheeze now too but only sporadically.
I am going to stop the prilosec and see if the rash goes away and let the doctor know. I don't have any heartburn anymore but still feel like there's something in my throat. I had no idea this could be a side affect until I started looking into it today and read all the other posts.
I developed severe acid reflux after two years on Fosamax and have taken Protonix and Prilosec off and on for the past two years.
The heartburn is controlled while I take the medications but comes back when I'm off. I've since learned that these cause a decrease the absorption of calcium which I need for the Osteopenia. Help!
I read in Consumers' Report Health [I think] that prilosec has been connected to memory loss and fatigue. Has anyone else noted that side effect?
I am also concerned that I may be experiencing short term memory loss by taking this drug. I have difficulty remembering phone calls that I had a week or so ago different people.
I have used omeprazol in one form or another, off and on for more than six years, for my acid reflux. When I try to get off the medication my acid reflux is a great deal worse than prior to taking it. Since it has been linked to hip fractures, pneumonia and cancer in various studies I would love to heal my esophagus naturally. Has anyone had any success in this regard?
Have been on omeprazole for 5 years, but have experienced some bad side effects, such as loose bowels, reflux at night with a horrible chemical taste of omeprazole filling my throat and mouth, wheezing, stomach bugs, chest infections,and worst of all, painful withdrawal symptoms upon stopping taking it. Went 6 weeks without taking it once, using ranitidine instead. Then I had such a severe sharp stomach pain, that I had to go back on the omeprazole to get rid of it!
Is there any way of curing esophagatis without having to take omeprazole? I wish I knew! This stuff tastes like poison and once you start taking it, it is very difficult to ever stop! Also I have short term memory loss sometimes. Wonder if this is a related symptom?
prickly rash on body after taking three weeks.
My short term memory loss is real bad and I also have and fatigue!
I have read on several other pages that weight gain in a big problem with prilosec. I've been on it for a month and is now coming off due to the side effects that I've been having. I can tell you I did gain 3lbs in a month, nothing big but I've been the same size no matter what I eat for the last 13 years. All of a sudden I'm 3 lbs heavier. We will see what happens when I come off.
I took Omeprazole and my belly increased in size within 3 days - I also had breathlessness and sweating - I have been off it almost 2 weeks and although I lost an inch quite quickly my belly is so much bigger than before - is there is anything can be done to help get rid of it?
Charlotte,
Have you received an answer to your inquiry? I am asking because I have almost identical problems that you also have or had. However, I have been taking Omeprazole 40mg once a day for 3-4 years. Over that time, I have put on a good 30-40 lbs. I was exercising every day...sometimes twice but lately have become very fatigued...(almost depressed).
My stomach will not go down no matter how many sit-ups I do. Lately I have been having stomach problems...bloating, some cramping, mild stomach pain. most of these are extremely mild, but they are there. I now have this feeling of being constipated which in my whole life (I am now 60) I have never been!
I too always try to eat healthy, vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken (no skin)always broiled...never fried. I have been eating like this for years. Had been drinking decaf coffee...that is no longer either. I have always wanted to get off of the omeprazole but was too afraid of what would happen. Especially with no Plan B. I just read about this DGL Licorice process from Dr. Teitlebaum's website of natural medicines. I now realize your comment was in 2008. Have things improved for you yet? Thanks for whatever you can help me with. I hate, hate, hate taking prescription meds.
Julie,
I've been having the same problem with the swelling of the stomach area. I took prilosec for a little over a week after my doctor told me to do so as I was having some minor dyspepsia issues.
I stopped taking it as I noticed it wasn't helping, and my stomach had grown to the size of a beach ball. Then I started to have severe acid reflux which I'd never had before, indigestion, acid regurgitation, heart palpitations, heavy chest sensations, and the list goes on. It's been a nightmare. and what's worse, it's been almost 5 months since I stopped taking it, and the symptoms still have not subsided.
I don't know what else to do. I'm a college student and my life is miserable right now. please let me know how you've been handling this, I'd really appreciate it...