Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
GERD (Acid Reflux) (Expert Forum)
Prilosec OTC and perscription 20mgs?
Answered by
Ratnakar Kini, MD - Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, acid reflux, gerd, colitis
Institute of Child Health & Hospital for Children
India
This forum is for questions and support regarding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux with topics including: Causes, Constipation, Diagnosis, Diarrhea, Drugs and OTC medications, Living with GERD, Loss of Appetite, Preventing Flare-ups, Research, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Support, Surgery, Tests, Treatments.
Prilosec OTC and perscription 20mgs?
by shirl000, Apr 27, 2008 02:41AM
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
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
Doctor's Answer
by Ratnakar Kini, MD, Apr 27, 2008 03:34AM
, Apr 27, 2008 03:34AM
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.
================================================================
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.
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.
================================================================
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.
================================================================
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.
Thanks
================================================================
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.
Thanks again for the help.
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.
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?
There is only a theoritical possibility of gastric cancer. There has been no such case reports.
================================================================
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.