Skip to main content
Omeprazole

Omeprazole: How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid.

Lauren Smith, MADaisy Chau, PharmD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Daisy Chau, PharmD, Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on June 28, 2024
Featuring Nabila Ismail, PharmD, Preeti Parikh, MDReviewed by Daisy Chau, PharmD | June 28, 2024

One option to treat frequent heartburn is with a medication called omeprazole. This treatment may help by blocking acid from going into the stomach. Taking it as directed may improve your treatment outcomes.

Have more questions about how to take omeprazole? Talk to your pharmacist or your provider.

References

Apotex Corp. (2023). OMEPRAZOLE capsule, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

Covis Pharma US, Inc. (2022). PRILOSEC- omeprazole magnesium granule, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Reviewed by:
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Daisy Chau, PharmD, is the drug information pharmacist manager at GoodRx. She is licensed in California and has more than 6 years of experience working as a pharmacist in drug information.
Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Reviewed by:
Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.
Green trust check markOur editorial standards
Green trust check markMeet our experts

Was this page helpful?

Latest articles

Medication education: empty stomach: holding pill bottle phone call 1426832235

11 Medications You Should Take on an Empty Stomach

by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD • Mar 30, 2026
Omeprazole: woman with stomach ache 2167398099

Exploring 9 Alternatives to Omeprazole, From H2 Blockers to Natural Products

by Nathan Williams, PharmD, RYT • Jan 13, 2026
Treatments for Acid Reflux and GERD: Understanding Your Options
Video play button

Best Acid Reflux Medicine: Comparing Antacids, H2 Blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors

1:53
portrait man coughing-1294431977

The 10 Most Common Causes of a Persistent Dry Cough — and How to Get Rid of It

by Karla Robinson, MD • Oct 29, 2025
GettyImages 1311322706

10 Causes of Loss of Smell and Taste Besides COVID

by Aunna Pourang, MD • Sep 11, 2025
Treatments for Acid Reflux and GERD: Understanding Your Options
Video play button

The 3 Best OTC Options for Heartburn and GERD

1:53
These Sneaky Foods Are Giving You Heartburn
Video play button

The Best Foods and Drinks for Heartburn — and What to Avoid

1:39
GERD: Acid rebound: woman couch stomach cramps-1096060490

Is Your Reflux Medication Causing Acid Rebound? Here’s How to Know

by Makaela Premont, PharmD • Mar 24, 2025
GERD: feeling sick at restaurant 1452431414

Famotidine vs. Omeprazole: Which Works Best for GERD?

by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD • Mar 24, 2025
GERD: Esomeprazole vs omeprazole: cropped woman chest pain-1320947555

Esomeprazole (Nexium) vs. Omeprazole (Prilosec): 7 Things to Know When Comparing These PPIs

by Daphne Berryhill, RPh • Mar 24, 2025
Omeprazole: side effects omeprazole-2

8 Omeprazole Side Effects You Should Know About

by Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD • Mar 18, 2025
Omeprazole: How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects
Video play button

Is Omeprazole an Antacid? Pharmacists Answer 13 FAQs About This Common PPI

2:55