Stomach acid is strong stuff (pH of 1), and belongs in the stomach, not in the esophagus, where it can cause burning of the esophageal lining (hertburn). If this happens frequently, the esophagus can be badly damaged. Gastro-esophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)can also cause severe erosive damage to the teeth if stomach acid is burped into the mouth frequently. The tooth enamel is literally eroded away, and teeth become very sensitive and permanently damaged.
To save your teeth and esophagus, Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer has come to the rescue. Prilosec is a former prescription product in a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. This means that the effect of Prilosec is to decrease stomach acid production. This is also beneficial for treatment of stomach ulcers, which need a minimal acid environment to heal.
Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer is taken once a day for 14 days in a typical course (thus, it is generally packaged in groups of 14 tablets). Most people have considerable relief beyond the 14 day course. It is not a product to take for immediate (within minutes) treatment of heartburn. The insert on the box states it takes at least a day to 4 days to reach its full effect. Each person will vary in terms of relief and how long the relief lasts.
Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer is a very good medicine for the treatment of GERD. It is in the same class as Prevacid, so if Prilosec gives you undesirable side effects, try Prevacid and the side effects may be lessened.
Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer is one of the top money-making drugs of all time, and for good reason. It works. I used to have pretty bad acid reflux. I would chew Pepcid Complete (which is an antacid drug combined with a base to neutralize acid) after every meal, as if they were after-dinner mints. Now, I just take Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer once a day, and now I almost never suffer from heartburn, and when I do, it is not as bad as it used to be. Trust me on this. This drug works differently than Pepcid or Zantac (I have a Ph.D in biology), so if those drugs don't work for you, don't be afraid to give this a try.
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