Prilosec generic availability, cost, dosage, and safety

In this article:

• Is there a generic for Prilosec?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Prilosec?
• How much is generic Prilosec?
• Is Prilosec covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Prilosec

In this article

• Is there a generic for Prilosec?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Prilosec?
• How much is generic Prilosec?
• Is Prilosec covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Prilosec

A big meal can bring you contentment, comfort, and joy—but it might also bring heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus, and acid reflux. That’s where Prilosec comes in. This proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) blocks the stomach’s acid production, bringing relief for people who have frequent heartburn from the stomach producing too much acid. Whether they’re looking for lower costs or simply more options, some people might want to know if there’s a generic for Prilosec. We’ve got the answers here. 

Is there a generic for Prilosec?

Yes, the generic name for Prilosec is omeprazole, and has been on the market since the FDA first approved it in late 2001. It’s available both over the counter and via prescription, depending on the formulation you get. 

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Prilosec?

The FDA has strict regulations for generic drugs. Specifically, they test to ensure that the generic medication has identical active ingredients, strengths, dosage forms, and routes of administration as the brand-name version. You can be assured that generic omeprazole is very similar to Prilosec. The differences between Prilosec and generic omeprazole are in the inactive ingredients, like fillers, dyes, and preservatives. 

There isn’t much evidence to suggest that generic omeprazole performs differently from brand-name Prilosec, but that doesn’t mean it will always work exactly the same. According to a 2006 study, different versions of generic omeprazole at the time had differences that could influence their outcomes. In general, though, individuals who can take Prilosec can also take generic omeprazole, and they will function similarly.

“Because generics are generally cheaper and more favorably covered by insurance, I will almost always prescribe generic omeprazole over brand-name Prilosec,” says Dr. Adam Pont, MD, board-certified in gastroenterology with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to labfinder.com. “The only situation where I would prescribe brand-name preferably, would be if the brand name was more favorably covered by insurance or was cheaper for some reason.”

Dr. Eve Elizabeth Pennie, MD, clinical research professional and medical expert for Drugwatch, also has limited situations when she would recommend brand-name Prilosec. 

Specifically, “when a patient has a history of intolerance to a specific generic form of omeprazole; a patient has tried more than one generic omeprazole and did not respond; or when a health plan makes no difference in the cost to the patient between the generic and brand-name.”

Drug information	Prilosec (omeprazole)
Uses	Frequent heartburn Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Benign gastric ulcer Treatment and maintenance of erosive esophagitis due to acid-mediated GERD Pathologic hypersecretory conditions
Standard dosage	Adults: 20-40 mg, once a day, for up to eight weeks  Children: 2.5-20 mg, once a day, depending on weight *** Prilosec OTC is only approved for adults over the age of 18.
Common side effects	Headache Stomach pain Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Flatulence Upper respiratory infection Constipation
Contraindications	Patients with a hypersensitivity to substituted benzimidazoles or any component of Prilosec Patients receiving medications that contain rilpivirine
Other considerations	May cause a higher risk of: Stomach cancer (for long-term use) Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea osteoporosis-related bone fractures fundic gland polyps Drug interactions include but are not limited to: Clopidogrel Rifampin St. John’s Wort Methotrexate May lead to less vitamin B-12 in the body. May cause skin-related adverse effects, including serious ones.  Might cause cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus May contribute to low magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia)

How much is generic Prilosec?

Like most generic medicines, the cost of generic omeprazole is often cheaper than brand-name Prilosec, although the exact price depends on the pharmacy, location, insurance coverage, and more. While the table below shows prices for prescription Prilosec, over-the-counter versions are much less expensive. Prilosec OTC’s average retail price is $25 per box of 28 tablets, and the generic equivalent is typically around $31.

Brand vs. generic Prilosec prices
Cost information	Brand-name Prilosec	Generic omeprazole
Average cost without insurance	$554 per 30, 10mg packets of Prilosec	$178 for 30, 40mg delayed- release capsules
SingleCare’s lowest price	$6 per 30, 40mg delayed-release capsules at Kroger Pharmacy	$6 per 30, 40mg delayed-release capsules at Kroger Pharmacy
Free coupons	Prilosec coupons	Omeprazole coupons

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of December 15, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Is Prilosec covered by insurance?

Omeprazole is usually covered by health insurance plans, Medicare plans, and Medicaid, although these plans are more likely to cover the generic version than brand-name Prilosec, since it’s less expensive. 

In some cases, insurance companies might require prior authorization to determine whether Prilosec or generic omeprazole is medically necessary. After you or your healthcare provider complete the requirements—additional documentation, step therapy, etc.—they will issue coverage. 

Generic alternatives to Prilosec

Prilosec or its generic version aren’t a perfect fit for everyone, but there are several generic Prilosec alternatives to treat heartburn, GERD, and more. “Prilosec (or more commonly generic omeprazole) is generally my first choice for a proton-pump inhibitor. If a patient is taking certain antiplatelet medications, I will use pantoprazole (Protonix) instead,” Dr. Pont says. “In some cases I will prescribe an H2 receptor antagonist such as Pepcid (famotidine) if the patient is taking essential medications that interact poorly with PPIs.”

Some common alternatives to Prilosec include:

• Esomeprazole (generic Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (generic Prevacid)
• Pantoprazole (generic Protonix)
• Dexlansoprazole (generic Dexilant)
• Rabeprazole (generic Aciphex)
• Nizatidine
• Famotidine (generic Pepcid AC)

Sometimes, health care providers prescribe Prilosec off-label to help prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs. This isn’t one of the medication’s approved uses, but it’s still a common one. Some of the alternatives listed above might be prescribed for similar reasons. 

But medications aren’t the only thing that can help. “Other lifestyle modifications, including losing weight, eating earlier in the day, raising the head of the bed at least 6 inches, and limiting consumption of foods that trigger reflux, can help alleviate the patient’s symptoms,” Dr. Pennie says. 

Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific medical condition, medical history, other medications, budget, and preferences. Your doctor knows all that information better than anyone, so consult them before you start taking any other drugs. They’ll let you know which might work best for you.