Prilosec is the brand name for omeprazole, a medication designed to decrease the excessive levels of stomach acid. It is commonly used for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptomatic treatment and in cases of other medical conditions associated with unnaturally high amounts of acid in the stomach. Prilosec can also increase the speed of erosive esophagitis healing and magnify the effect of certain antibiotics when treating gastric ulcer provoked by the helicobacter pylori bacterium. This is a long-term treatment medicine that must not be use for immediate relief of heatburn symptoms.
When taking Prilosec, follow your healthcare provider's directions precisely. Most usually the pill is swallowed whole before the meal and needs to be washed down by a full glass of clear water. You must not crush or break the delayed-release capsule as it will cause for too much medication to be released at one time. However, if you have great troubles swallowing pills, you may sprinkle the contents of the capsule into a spoonful of fruit purret or any similar concoction and take the medication this way.
If you are on Prilosec OTC, remember that the treatment regimen lasts exactly two weeks and the ills need to be taken with a 24-hour interval. The full effect will most probably become obvious only after 3-4 days of therapy. At least four months need to pass before you can repeat the Prilosec OTC treatment course. If your condition demands treatment before this period is through, contact your physician.
