Omeprazole, sold under the brand names Prilosec and Losec among others, is a medication used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. It is also used to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in people who are at high risk. It can be taken by mouth or injected into a vein.
Omeprazole is used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It’s used to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus), and hypersecretory conditions (conditions where your stomach makes too much acid). This drug is also used to treat stomach infections caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Omeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach produces. It does this by blocking the proton pump in the cells of your stomach.
The proton pump works in the final step of acid production. When the proton pump is blocked, your stomach makes less acid. This should decrease your symptoms.
