What to do if you miss a dose of Prilosec

Missing a dose of Prilosec (Omeprazole) is common — most people will skip a dose at some point during a course. The right action depends on how long since the missed dose and whether Prilosec is taken event-driven or daily at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg. The wrong action — doubling up — is not recommended.

For daily Prilosec

If Prilosec is taken daily for a chronic condition, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case skip the missed dose and continue normally. According to the prescribing information for Omeprazole, two doses should never be taken close together to "make up" for a miss.

For event-driven Prilosec

If Prilosec is used as needed (not on a fixed schedule), there is no "missed dose" in the conventional sense — simply take the planned dose when needed and observe the recommended gap before re-dosing. Omeprazole is a substituted benzimidazole prodrug activated in the acidic environment of the gastric parietal cell, where it irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme — the proton pump responsible…

Frequently asked questions

Should I double the dose if I missed Prilosec? ▾

No. Doubling doses of Prilosec to compensate is not recommended at any 10mg, 20mg, 40mg strength and increases the risk of side effects without improving efficacy. Take the next scheduled dose normally.

How many missed doses are too many? ▾

Occasional missed doses of Prilosec are usually inconsequential. Repeated missed doses can compromise the therapeutic effect — for chronic conditions like those treated with Gastrointestinal Medications, consistent dosing matters. If adherence is hard, discuss reminders, simpler schedules or alternative formulations with the prescriber.

More on Prilosec

The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.