From the Guidelines
Omeprazole is a medication used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid production, primarily gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, as well as part of treatment regimens for H. pylori infections when combined with antibiotics. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that work by blocking the enzyme system responsible for acid production in the stomach 1. Key conditions treated by omeprazole include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- H. pylori infections when used in combination with antibiotics The typical adult dose ranges from 20-40mg once daily, usually taken before breakfast for best effect, with treatment duration varying by condition—from 4-8 weeks for ulcers and GERD to longer-term use for maintenance therapy 1. Omeprazole reduces symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough by decreasing stomach acid that can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining 1. While generally well-tolerated, long-term use may be associated with certain risks including vitamin B12 deficiency, increased risk of bone fractures, and kidney problems, so it's essential to use it only as prescribed 1. Recent guidelines suggest that for certain conditions like eosinophilic oesophagitis, omeprazole can be effective at a dose of 20 mg two times per day, with a clear explanation of its indication and the importance of maintaining therapy to prevent relapse 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer in adults. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules in combination with clarithromycin and amoxicillin, is indicated for treatment of patients with H pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or up to 1-year history) to eradicate H. pylori in adults. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active benign gastric ulcer in adults. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD for up to 4 weeks in patients 2 years of age and older. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of EE due to acid-mediated GERD that has been diagnosed by endoscopy in patients 2 years of age and older. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the maintenance healing of EE due to acid-mediated GERD in patients 2 years of age and older. Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas and systemic mastocytosis) in adults.
Omeprazole treats:
- Active duodenal ulcer
- H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease
- Active benign gastric ulcer
- Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis (EE) due to acid-mediated GERD
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions 2 2
From the Research
Conditions Treated by Omeprazole
Omeprazole is used to treat various conditions, including:
- Gastric ulcer 3
- Duodenal ulcer 3
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) 3, 4, 5
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome 3, 4, 6, 7
- Helicobacter pylori infection 4, 5
- NSAID-associated gastric ulcer disease 4, 5
- Reflux esophagitis 5, 6