Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced
in the stomach.

Prilosec is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Omeprazole is also used to
promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by
stomach acid).

Prilosec may also be given together with antibiotics to treat gastric ulcer
caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Over-the-counter Prilosec OTC is used in adults to help control heartburn that
occurs 2 or more days per week. Prilosec OTC must be taken as a course for 14
days in a row.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Prilosec:** hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.

Stop using Prilosec and call your doctor at once if you have:

  * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  * new or unusual pain in your wrist, thigh, hip, or back;

  * seizure (convulsions);

  * **kidney problems** \- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;

  * **low magnesium** \- dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or

  * **new or worsening symptoms of lupus** \- joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking Prilosec long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called
fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use omeprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin
B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you
develop it.

Common Prilosec side effects may include:

  * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat (especially in children);

  * fever (especially in children);

  * stomach pain, gas;

  * nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or

  * headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Prilosec side effects (more detail)