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.
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