Prilosec for acid reflux

Prilosec is a brand of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. It lowers acid production in the stomach, giving irritated tissues in the food pipe time to settle. It is used for acid reflux and related conditions, but ongoing symptoms may also be associated with a hiatus hernia, chronic cough or other causes.

Relief may not be immediate, and taking more than advised is not a safe way to speed it up. Possible effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. Tell a clinician about other medicines and long-term health conditions before regular use.

Follow the product label or prescription and take it exactly as directed. Avoid lying down soon after meals, notice which foods or drinks trigger symptoms, and consider smaller evening meals. Weight changes can affect reflux for some people. Arrange a review if symptoms keep returning, treatment stops helping, or you need frequent self-treatment. Read more about Acid Reflux.

Seek urgent help for chest tightness with sweating, breathlessness, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Arrange prompt medical assessment for trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or severe abdominal pain. A cough that does not settle also deserves review; see Chronic Cough.

Ask whether reflux explains your symptoms, how long to try Prilosec, and how to stop or review it safely. Discuss interactions with your medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and whether tests are needed for symptoms that persist despite treatment.