What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a prescription medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes heartburn and esophagus damage. Omeprazole - generic for the brand name Prilosec OTC - reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces while also helping to heal the lining of your esophagus, the tube between your stomach and mouth that can be damaged by acrid stomach acids.
GERD affects more than 3 million Americans each year. It occurs when the acid and bile that your stomach uses to digest food begins to creep up into the esophagus, damaging and irritating its lining.
Omeprazole can also be used to treat stomach ulcers and, in its lower-dose, over-the-counter form, to treat everyday heartburn.