What Is Omeprazole Used For?

Some of the uses of omeprazole include the treatment of such conditions as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, pathological hypersecretory conditions, and H. pylori infections. On occasion, a healthcare provider may prescribe omeprazole off-label to prevent stomach ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prescription omeprazole uses are approved for children as young as one year of age.

Uses of Omeprazole: An Overview

 Omeprazole (Prilosec®) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Omeprazole is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Nonprescription omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC®) is also available and is approved to treat frequent heartburn (that occurs at least twice a week).
 
Specific uses for prescription omeprazole include treating:
 
  • Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the very first part of the intestine after the stomach).
     
  • Helicobacter pylori infections associated with duodenal ulcers -- omeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, helping to heal duodenal ulcers.
     
  • Benign (noncancerous) gastric ulcers (or stomach ulcers).
     
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- omeprazole helps to treat GERD by relieving heartburn and healing esophagitis (damage to the esophagus).
     
  • Pathological hypersecretory conditions -- omeprazole helps to treat these conditions (when too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
     
What Is Omeprazole Used For? Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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