Having terrible heartburn..i take 20mg prilosec prescribed everyday.. today its not helping.can i take pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)? i've already taken my prilosec?

Try acid reducer: Try taking ranitidine or Famotidine in addition to the prilosec, or temporarily take Prilosec 2x per day. Of course watch your intake of hot, spicy, acidic foods. For immediate relief try calcium carbonate (tums), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or Gaviscon which is otc and may help coat and sooth your esophagus. Peptones-bismol can help too.

Needs an EGD: Persistent heartburn while on Omeprazole (prilosec) or other acid blockers needs further testing. Symptoms may be gastric or duodenal ulcers, h pylori infection, hiatal herna, esophageal erosion or ulcers, tumor causing increased acid production and rarely gastric cancer. Avoid the peptobismal and see your familydoctor.