Omeprazole is a medication that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and is used to treat a variety of conditions related to excess stomach acid. Some of the conditions that omeprazole is used to treat include:

• Acid reflux
• Ulcers in the stomach and duodenum
• Erosive esophagitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Dyspepsia
• Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in seriously ill patients

Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which helps to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. It can also help to heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) .

Omeprazole is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid. It is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with a prescription. If you are self-treating with OTC omeprazole, it is used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week) . It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking omeprazole, especially if you have any allergies or medical conditions. Omeprazole may interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking. Common side effects of omeprazole include headaches, diarrhea, and stomach pain.