Prilosec OTC
This medicine is
manufactured by Proctor and Gamble. It is the
first over the counter medicine approved by
the Food and Drug Administration.
This drug is a remedy for frequent heartburns.
Heartburns that occur twice a week or more are
classified as frequent. This medicine is not
for occasional heartburns (once a week or less)
or when an immediate relief is desired.
Consultation with a health care
practitioner is preferable over self medication
because of the side effects involved. The label
directions do have guidance about when to seek
medical advice.
Prilosec stops the acid production function
of the acid pumps described under ‘Nexium’
above. This reduces heartburn.
Omeprazole is the active ingredient in both
prescription Prilosec and Prilosec OTC, the
former is administered under the diagnosis and
supervision of a doctor whereas the latter is
for treating symptoms of frequent heartburns.
Prescription Prilosec is given is situations
where there may be inflammation of the esophagus
or ulcers. Prilosec OTC has a 20-mg potency.
It is delayed release and is to
be swallowed. The prescribed dosage is once
a day before meals. Incremental dosage is disallowed.
The course is for a 14-day period and can be
repeated after four months on strict medical
advice. If no improvement is noticed after the
14-day period then it becomes necessary to consult
your doctor.
Prilosec OTC is not recommended if the person
has trouble swallowing food, or vomits with
blood or has blood in the stool.
When taking Prilosec
OTC it is important that your doctor be
advised if you are taking drugs such as Warfarin
(blood-thinking drug), Diazepam (for anxiety)
or Digoxin (for heart). The side effects include
constipation upset stomach, vomiting, stomach
pain, cough, cold symptoms, dizziness.
There was a citizen’s petition
to stop the sale of Prilosec OTC but the arguments
contained in the petition were not found acceptable
by the authorities. |
