Question 1

read that prilosec otc can cause stool discoloration. does that mean it can cause your stool to be light in color? and if so, would it last for as long as you take the medication?

Accepted Answer

Prilosec: One of the side effects of prilosec is diarrhea, so it can increase transit time of stool  through the intestinal tract and cause lighter colored stools in some cases for as long it is taken.

Question 2

with prilosec otc, do side effects occur relatively quickly or can they start up after taking the medication for a number of months (with a doctor's recommendation)?

Accepted Answer

: Acute interstitial nephritis is one acute (quick, days or weeks) side effect of proton pump inhibitor drugs (Prilosec is one of them) but it is very rare. Most of the adverse effects of Prilosec occur with long term use, months or years.

Question 3

which medication is believed by experts to be more effective for heartburn and acid reflux: prilosec otc bid or protonix (pantoprazole) 40 mg bid?

Accepted Answer

Dose dependency: The class of drugs known as ppi's (proton pump inhibitors) has expanded considerably since Prilosec became available in 1989, & now includes: prilosec, prevacid, aciphex, protonix, zegerid, dexilant, (dexlansoprazole) nexium, as well as generic equivalents. All of these, with minor variation, block acid production at the proton-pump cellular level. Drug half-life & dose roughly determine duration & efficacy.

Question 4

i've read that it says taking prilosec otc raises blood levels of the clonazepa drug making clonaz stronger. should i just take less clonazepam?

Accepted Answer

For this you need...: ...To talk to your prescribing doctor who really knows you best and can determine what dose of Clonazepam you need.  Or, replace Prilosec with a different acid blocker that has less drug potentiating effect.

Question 5

i was on prilosec otc 3 months before .can i repeat it after three months or should i change( like prevacid).

Accepted Answer

See your MD: If you are having recurrent symptoms of stomach acid or reflux, you may need a prescription medication or a consultation with a specilist for testing of your GI tract.
Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition, can occur form continued acid reflux.

Question 6

why don't different brands of omeprazole work as well as prilosec otc?

Accepted Answer

Absorption: Generic Omeprazole is the same medication as Prilosec otc.  However, the formulation may result in different absorption so that the levels of medication in your bloodstream may be different.  If the brand name works better for you, keep taking it.

Question 7

is it possible for me to take pepsid complete after taking prilosec otc?

Accepted Answer

YES: If you need it, yes. Pepcid (famotidine) will help pretty soon anter taking it , Prilosec will take couple days to work.

Question 8

is it true that prilosec otc can cause osteoporosis after a few years of use?

Accepted Answer

Prilosec: It is not true and certainly would not lead to osteoporosis at your age unless you are taking other meds that might affect your bones.

What you need to find out is why you have a stomach ache so often.

Question 9

i'm taking 20mg pantoprazole for a long time and it is not working any longer. it was suggested i try two tablets of prilosec otc (40mg). i'm 120 lbs.

Accepted Answer

PPI: Both of these medications are considered proton pump inhibitors, PPI.  They work by inhibiting the acid produced by the stomach and therefore decreasing the risk for developing ulcer.  All of the medications are available over-the-counter at a usually lower dose.  You may be able to get a prescription for a higher dose than may be cheaper.

Question 10

prilosec otc box says to use for 14 days, then not use again for 4 months. repeat. most people take it everyday though. is the "box cycle" effective?

Accepted Answer

It can be: It can be, for very mild symptoms. For more persistent symptoms of reflux, a 6-week course of everyday use often results in prolonged relief that can last for months or longer afterwards.  Everyday use without end is reserved for severe cases that don't resolve with initial treatment.  You're correct that most people do not use this medication correctly and don't get great results accordingly.

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Doctor answers about:

Prilosec otc medication

A member asked:

Read that prilosec otc can cause stool discoloration. does that mean it can cause your stool to be light in color? and if so, would it last for as long as you take the medication?

A member asked:

With prilosec otc, do side effects occur relatively quickly or can they start up after taking the medication for a number of months (with a doctor's recommendation)?

A member asked:

Which medication is believed by experts to be more effective for heartburn and acid reflux: prilosec otc bid or protonix (pantoprazole) 40 mg bid?

A member asked:

I've read that it says taking prilosec otc raises blood levels of the clonazepa drug making clonaz stronger. should i just take less clonazepam?

A member asked:

I was on prilosec otc 3 months before .can i repeat it after three months or should i change( like prevacid).

A member asked:

Why don't different brands of omeprazole work as well as prilosec otc?

A member asked:

Is it possible for me to take pepsid complete after taking prilosec otc?

A member asked:

Is it true that prilosec otc can cause osteoporosis after a few years of use?

A member asked:

I'm taking 20mg pantoprazole for a long time and it is not working any longer. it was suggested i try two tablets of prilosec otc (40mg). i'm 120 lbs.

A member asked:

Prilosec otc box says to use for 14 days, then not use again for 4 months. repeat. most people take it everyday though. is the "box cycle" effective?

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