This article describes Prilosec’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Prilosec. If you want to know more about Prilosec, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Prilosec is a brand-name medication. The drug comes as granules that are mixed with water to form a delayed-release* liquid suspension (a liquid mixture). Prilosec isn’t available in a generic version.
This article describes dosages of the prescription form of Prilosec. It doesn’t cover dosages of the over-the-counter (OTC) version of Prilosec.
* “Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
Form and strengths of Prilosec
Prilosec comes as follows:
- Form: granules that are mixed with water to form a liquid suspension (a liquid mixture) that you swallow
- Strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg
Dosage of Prilosec
This article describes the recommended dosages for Prilosec. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Prilosec without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Prilosec in adults
| Condition | Recommended dosage | Treatment length |
|---|---|---|
| active duodenal ulcer | 20 mg once per day | 4 weeks |
| duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori infection | • 20 mg twice per day or • 40 mg once per day | 10–28 days |
| active stomach ulcer | 40 mg once per day | 4–8 weeks |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | 20 mg once per day | up to 4 weeks |
| erosive esophagitis | 20 mg once per day | 4–8 weeks or determined by your doctor |
| pathological hypersecretory conditions | 60 mg once per day, which may be increased up to 120 mg three times per day | determined by your doctor |
Prilosec’s drugmaker has not recommended a maximum dosage. If you have questions about the dosage you’re prescribed, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosages of Prilosec in children
The following table outlines the recommended dosages of Prilosec for GERD in children ages 1–16 years. The dosages are in milligrams (mg), and body weight is in kilograms (kg)*.
| Body weight | Recommended dosage | Treatment length |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9 kg | 5 mg once per day | up to 4 weeks |
| 10–19 kg | 10 mg once per day | up to 4 weeks |
| 20 kg and greater | 20 mg once per day | up to 4 weeks |
The following table outlines the recommended dosages of Prilosec for the treatment of erosive esophagitis in children ages 1 month to 16 years.
| Age | Body weight | Recommended dosage | Treatment length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–16 years | 5–9 kg | 5 mg once per day | 4–8 weeks |
| 10–19 kg | 10 mg once per day | 4–8 weeks | |
| 20 kg and greater | 20 mg once per day | 4–8 weeks | |
| 1–11 months | 3–4 kg | 2.5 mg once per day | up to 6 weeks |
| 5–9 kg | 5 mg once per day | up to 6 weeks | |
| 10 kg and greater | 10 mg once per day | up to 6 weeks |
The following table outlines the recommended dosages of Prilosec for the maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis in children ages 1–16 years, based on the child’s weight.
| Body weight | Recommended dosage | Treatment length |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9 kg | 5 mg once per day | determined by your doctor |
| 10–19 kg | 10 mg once per day | determined by your doctor |
| 20 kg and greater | 20 mg once per day | determined by your doctor |
* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Dosage adjustments for Prilosec
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Prilosec based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Prilosec
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Prilosec. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Prilosec and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Prilosec and its dosage.
Is the dosage of the prescription form of Prilosec similar to the dosage of the OTC form of Prilosec?
The prescription form of Prilosec is used for several different conditions caused by too much stomach acid, including GERD. The OTC form of Prilosec is only meant to be taken to help treat frequent heartburn.
The following table outlines the recommended dosages of both forms of Prilosec for GERD and heartburn in adults.
| Recommended dosage of prescription Prilosec | Recommended dosage of OTC Prilosec |
|---|---|
| 20 mg once per day for up to 4 weeks | 20 mg once per day for 14 days |
If you have questions about whether the prescription form of Prilosec or the OTC form of Prilosec is right for you, talk with your doctor.
Is Prilosec taken long term?
Sometimes. Doctors may prescribe Prilosec as a short-term or long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Prilosec, talk with your doctor.
How Prilosec is taken
You’ll swallow Prilosec once or twice per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You’ll take it before meals.
Prilosec should be prepared in water. When preparing Prilosec in water, follow these steps:
- Pour the 2.5 mg packet into 5 milliliters (mL) of water. The 10 mg packet should be poured into 15 mL of water.
- Stir the mixture and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
- Stir it again and drink the mixture within 30 minutes.
- If any of the packet contents is left over, add more water, stir, and drink right away.
In some cases, Prilosec may be given through a nasogastric (NG) tube or gastric tube. A healthcare professional will teach you how to give this medication through an NG or gastric tube.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Prilosec coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Prilosec when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of Prilosec
It’s important that you do not take more Prilosec than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Prilosec overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- fast heart rate
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- headache
- dry mouth
What to do if you take too much Prilosec
If you think you’ve taken too much Prilosec, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Prilosec. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Prilosec without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Prilosec exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my dosage of Prilosec change if I take other drugs with it?
- How long will I need to take Prilosec?
- How does the dosage of Prilosec compare with other drugs used for my condition?
- Would the OTC version of Prilosec also work for my condition?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.