Omeprazole is a medication that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by irreversibly blocking the enzyme system (H+/K+ ATPase) in the stomach's parietal cells responsible for acid secretion. By inhibiting this "proton pump," omeprazole decreases both basal and stimulated acid production

. It is used to treat various conditions caused by excessive stomach acid, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing heartburn and damage

• Gastric and duodenal ulcers

• Erosive esophagitis (inflammation and damage of the esophagus)

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition where the stomach produces too much acid due to tumors

• Dyspepsia (indigestion symptoms such as sour stomach, belching, and heartburn)

• Prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in seriously ill patients

• Treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, often in combination with antibiotics

Omeprazole usually starts to work within 1 to 3 days, with maximum effect around 2 hours after a dose, and the acid suppression can last up to 72 hours

. It is available in various oral forms including capsules, tablets, and powder for suspension, and can be obtained both by prescription and over-the- counter for short-term use

. In summary, omeprazole decreases stomach acid production to treat and prevent acid-related gastrointestinal conditions.