Omeprazole (
Prilosec®) is used for treating a number of different conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Healthcare providers often prescribe omeprazole
medication for GERD (
gastroesophageal reflux disease), but the drug is also approved for treating ulcers,
H. pylori infections, and pathological hypersecretory conditions.
The medicine comes in capsule form and is typically taken once or twice a day. It works by decreasing acid production in the stomach.
In clinical studies using omeprazole medication for
GERD, up to 56 percent of people experienced complete
heartburn relief. The drug has also been shown to help heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD and to keep erosive esophagitis from returning.
(Click Omeprazole to learn more about the effects of this medication, to find out how omeprazole works for these various conditions, and for a list of potential side effects to look out for during treatment.)
