What is omeprazole used for?

Doctors prescribe omeprazole to treat various types of digestive system conditions caused by or made worse by too much stomach acid. 

Omeprazole is available by prescription for conditions that need medical supervision. It is a generic medication that also comes as an over-the-counter (OTC) brand-name version known as Prilosec OTC. The OTC medication only treats symptoms of heartburn. 

What conditions does omeprazole treat?

Doctors prescribe omeprazole to treat certain types of digestive system conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic (long-term) condition involving stomach acid that flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Omeprazole helps reduce acid reflux, which in turn eases GERD symptoms and also prevents long-term damage to the esophagus.
• Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. By reducing stomach acid, which can worsen the condition, omeprazole can help speed up the healing of these ulcers. 
• Erosive esophagitis: This condition occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed due to acid reflux. Omeprazole can help this damaged tissue heal by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: Doctors often prescribe omeprazole along with antibiotics to treat infections caused by H. pylori, a type of bacteria that may cause peptic ulcers. This drug combination can work to destroy the bacteria and promote ulcer healing.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: With this rare condition, the stomach produces high amounts of acid. By reducing stomach acid, omeprazole can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

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How does omeprazole work?

Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs known as PPIs. These medications work by reducing how much acid your stomach produces. 

Omeprazole targets certain pumps (called proton pumps) located in the lining of your stomach. These pumps make hydrochloric acid, which helps with the digestion of your food.

Although you need some stomach acid, too much of it can cause painful symptoms like heartburn and chest pain. It can also lead to health issues, such as stomach ulcers, GERD, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

By reducing stomach acid, omeprazole can help create a more neutral environment in your stomach. This can promote healing and ease painful symptoms. 

How to take omeprazole

You’ll take omeprazole as a capsule or tablet. The oral tablet form comes in a 20 milligram (mg) strength. The oral capsule is available in the following strengths: 

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg

For most conditions, you’ll usually take omeprazole once per day, ideally about 30 to 60 minutes before eating. This allows omeprazole to start limiting how much acid your stomach makes before eating, reducing the amount of acid that’s produced. 

If you’re taking omeprazole for an H. pylori bacterial infection, you’ll typically take it twice per day, together with antibiotic drugs. 

If you find it difficult to swallow pills, omeprazole is also available as granules that you mix with water.

It’s important to take this medication exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Is omeprazole safe to take long term?

Omeprazole is generally safe to take long term if you’re under the supervision of a medical professional. They can monitor you to make sure you don’t develop any concerning side effects. 

As with many drugs, taking a higher dose of omeprazole may increase your risk of some side effects. In particular, taking a higher dose of omeprazole for a long time may raise your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and bone fractures.

To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will typically prescribe the lowest dose of omeprazole that works for your condition.

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Summary

Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs called PPIs. It helps reduce how much acid your stomach produces. 

Omeprazole is prescribed for managing stomach acid-related conditions like GERD, peptic ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. 

Although it’s generally well tolerated, it’s important to take omeprazole exactly as your doctor prescribes and let them know if you have any concerning side effects.