Can Prilosec Be Taken For A Long Duration?

Posted on Tue, 1 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My son has been taking prilosec every day for a long time. he recently had large blood clots in his lung. I read that it is not recommended taking prilosec longer than six weeks. His doctor keeps prescribing it. I eliminated my very long time heartburn by stopping eating a number of foods including gluten. My son laughed at that and said take prilosec and eat anything you want. I am greatly concerned. Can you give any advice? My son is 45 years old and much over weight. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment of cause behind heart burn needs to be treated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Health Care Magic.

Yes you are right that taking proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like prilosec is not recommended for such long duration.

Prilosec and other similar drugs are taken for short period of time to suppress the symptoms of heart burn, however, this is not the definitive treatment.
The underlying cause of heart burn needs to be treated.

Being overweight is one of the important cause of regurgitation of food from stomach to esophagus and thus heart burn.

I suggest your son to consult a gastroenetrologist for clinical assessment and probably an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy.

In case any cause like ulcer, hernia etc. is found in stomach, it can be managed accordingly.
Regarding your concern about clot in lung, prilosec is not probably associated with the clot.
There is probably some other cause behind clots in lungs.

Let me know if you've any further queries
Thanks and Take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee