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 two years old.
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). Non-prescription 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.
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.
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