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

Prilosec OTC (over the counter) works differently from other OTC heartburn products, such as antacids and other acid reducers.

Prilosec OTC stops acid production at the source, the acid pump that produces stomach acid. Prilosec OTC is to be used once a day (every 24 hours), every day for 14 days.

What To Expect When Using Prilosec OTC

Prilosec OTC is a different type of medicine from antacids and other acid reducers. Prilosec OTC may take 1 to 4 days for full effect, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours. Make sure you take the entire 14 days of dosing to treat your frequent heartburn.