Omeprazole – chemical name
Pronunciation – o-MEP-ra-zole
Prilosec – brand name

Prilosec OTC is for adults 18 years and older with frequent heartburn, when you have heartburn 2 or more days a week. For children under 18 years of age ask a doctor.

Prilosec OTC is meant for frequent heartburn, not serious gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). See your doctor for GERD. Also, Prilosec OTC is not for people who have heartburn less than one episode a week (or less), or for those who want immediate relief of heartburn.

Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor.

Warnings:

These may be signs of a serious condition. See your doctor.

• Allergy Alert: Do not use if you are allergic to Prilosec (omeprazole).
• Do Not Use Prilosec OTC If You Have:
  • Trouble or pain swallowing food
  • Vomiting with blood
  • Bloody or black stools

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), pronounced – GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez, is the flow of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.