Prilosec OTC and perscription 20mgs?

Hello,

I was wondering if there is any difference in Prilosec OTC 20mgs and a perscription for omeprazole 20 mgs? Are these exactly the same?  Thank you

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi shirl000,
As far as the efficacy is concerned, both are the same.

If you want to know the differences -
1. Prilosec OTC is in the tablet form whereas the precription one is in the capsule form
2. Prilosec OTC is cheaper
3. Prilosec OTC conatins omeprazole magnesium and the prescription variety has omeprazole base.

But both have the same efficacy.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[shirl000]

Thank you for the reply.  When you say that Prilosec OTC has omeprazole magnesium and the prescription variety has omeprazole base, does that mean that they are a different formula?  Is it possible for one to work better than the other?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

No, it is not like that. Omeprazole base is the active form. In prilosec OTC, it is given in the form of omeprazole magnesium. In the body it gets converted in to omeprazole base before it starts acting.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[shirl000]

So would the perscription strength be faster acting?

Thanks

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

The onset of action is more or less the same.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[shirl000]

So I guess there isn't one that works better than the other, or is it possible that a person could have better results from the OTC then the perscription and vise versa?
Thanks again for the help.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi shirl000,
The only difference in the patient's point of view is that OTC saves money.
Other than that, no difference at all.
================================================================
The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Eccentric Guy]

Greetings,

I'm trying to find out specifically the difference between Prilosec OTC and it's Prescription counterpart. From a little research, it seems that the Prescription version is "sodium" based, and we all know that the OTC version is magnesium based. Apparently one of the concerns of taking the OTC beyond the recommended 14 day intervals, is due to the fact that research has shown an increase in gastric cancer risk, which is why the prescription version is more suitable for long term usage. Is this correct? Can you offer any information in regards to this?

[shirl000]

I hope you get some answers, I would be curious to find out this information.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Eccentric Guy,
There is only a theoritical possibility of gastric cancer. There has been no such case reports.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.