Brand Names:

Prilosec

What is it?
Omeprazole turns off the acid producing cells in your stomach

What’s In It For Me?

This drug can prevent heartburn (acid reflux). It can also be used to cure or prevent an ulcer.

The Good

Omeprazole and other drugs like it are the most effective way to treat problems related to stomach acid. Note, however, that it must be taken regularly to work. It is not useful on an as neeed basis.

The Bad

Omeprazole does not provide quick relief, it takes over 24 hours to work. Also, stomach acid is beneficial in some ways, so decreasing stomach acid can lead to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals and possibly even bacterial growth in the stomach.
Diarrhea occurs in about 8% of people taking this drug.

The Controversial

Omeprazole and other drugs like it are sometimes used to prevent ulcers from drugs like Motrin. It is difficult to decide which patients should get such preventative treatment.

For The Cynic

Many times heartburn can be treated with non-drug lifestyle changes. However, if you have serious acid reflux and your esophagus is being damaged, you probably need more than lifestyle changes.

The Cost

Omeprazole is the least expensive drug in it’s class (called PPI’s) It is available without a prescription. The 20 mg strength is equal to prescription strenth.

Omeprazole is an inexpensive and highly effective treatment for acid reflux and for ulcers.
It is our first choice drug in this class.