Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 5/16/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

• Brand Name: Prilosec
  
• Generic Name: Omeprazole
  
• Uses: Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  
• Drug Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
  
• Availability: Prescription only; also available over-the-counter for specific conditions
  
• Generic Status: Yes
  
• Controlled Substance: No
  
  

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used primarily to reduce stomach acid production. It works by blocking a specific system within the stomach lining that secretes acid into the stomach. This helps to prevent and heal acid-related damage to the stomach and esophagus and helps reduce symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

Omeprazole is primarily used to treat conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Omeprazole relieves GERD symptoms, such as heartburn and acid reflux, and promotes healing of erosive esophagitis.
  
• Stomach ulcers: Omeprazole prevents and treats ulcers, especially those caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  
• Excessive stomach acid conditions: Such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where omeprazole helps to manage the symptoms by reducing stomach acid production.
  
  

It is also used in combination with antibiotics to treat and prevent the recurrence of stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Omeprazole works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump, a key component in the acid secretion mechanism of the gastric parietal cells in the stomach. This leads to a significant reduction in stomach acid output.

Omeprazole can be taken in different forms, depending on specific needs:

• Oral capsules or tablets: Typically taken once daily, 30 minutes before a meal.
  
• Oral packet: Mixed with water, usually once a day.
  
  

The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and your response to the medication.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.

The effectiveness of omeprazole and the time it takes to notice improvement can vary among individuals. Symptom relief, such as reduced heartburn or acid reflux, can be observed within one to two days of starting the medication, but it may take up to four weeks for full therapeutic benefits, especially for healing ulcers or erosive esophagitis.

Continue taking omeprazole as prescribed even if you start feeling better. Do not abruptly stop the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

While omeprazole is primarily used for managing acid-related disorders, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for conditions such as:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
  
• Prevention of stress ulcers in critically ill patients
  
  

Discuss any alternative uses of omeprazole with your healthcare provider.

Omeprazole is available in the following dosage forms:

• Oral capsules: Typically available in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg dosages.
  
• Oral tablets: Available for over-the-counter use, typically in 20mg dosages.
  
• Oral packet (powder to be mixed with water): 2.5mg and 10mg dosages.
  
  

Generic versions of omeprazole are available, providing cost-effective treatment options.

Omeprazole is a prescription medication, although certain dosages and forms may be available over the counter. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain higher dosage forms of this medication.