Prilosec OTC is an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation felt behind the breastbone and up toward the neck caused by the reflux of acid into the esophagus. Over 25 million Americans experience heartburn daily and 60 million at least once a month, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. Prilosec OTC, containing the following ingredients, is the only proton pump inhibitor medication available without a prescription.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Prilosec OTC is omeprazole magnesium, which has the chemical name di-5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole magnesium. The molecular weight of omeprazole magnesium is 713.1.
Omeprazole magnesium is a white crystalline structure that is only slightly soluble in water but fully soluble in methanol (a methyl alcohol). Once in water, the omeprazole magnesium is dissociated into omeprazole and magnesium.
Prilosec OTC has an enteric-coating, meaning the tablet is coated to prevent it from being destroyed by the acids in the stomach. The enteric-coating is formulated to dissolve in the more neutral environment in the small intestine.
Omeprazole is a racemate, meaning it exists in equal numbers as both left and right-handed structures. Once the enteric-coating is digested, both structures of omeprazole convert to achiral (meaning they are identical to their mirror image) products which inhibit the cells in the stomach from producing gastric acids.
Inactive Ingredients
The formulation of Prilosec OTC also contains several inactive ingredients to aid in the formation and stability of the medication. Glyceryl monostearate is an organic compound that acts as an emulsifier, meaning it helps to mix the ingredients together.
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a cellulose derivative that helps to make the compound soluble. Hypromellose is an emulsifier and a thickening or suspending agent. It works to control the release of the medication in the digestive tract. Magnesium stearate is a diluent, meaning it helps to give bulk to the tablet. It also aids in manufacturing because it prevents the ingredients from sticking to the equipment.
Methacrylic acid copolymer is part of the enteric coating of the tablet. Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a filler for the tablet formation. Other ingredients include iron oxide, paraffin, polyethylene glycol 6000, polysorbate 80, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium stearyl fumarate, starch, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide and triethyl citrate.
Formulation
Prilosec OTC is sold over-the-counter and contains 20 mg of the active ingredient. The dosage recommendation states to take it for 14 days at a time. You can buy it in packages of 14, 28 or 42 tablets as 1-, 2- and 3-course treatments respectively.
