Meta Information

ID:omeprazole

Name:Omeprazole

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Prilosec
• Losec

Active Compound

omeprazole

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:rx_drug
• us:otc_drug
• eu:rx_drug
• eu:otc_drug

Indication

Focus:

disease_treatment

Description:

Treatment of conditions caused by excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and erosive esophagitis.

Typical Protocol

• A standard dose is 20-40 mg taken orally once daily, typically 30-60 minutes before the first meal.
• Treatment duration typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, but may be longer for certain conditions under medical supervision.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

20

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Generic versions are very inexpensive; often covered by insurance when prescribed.

Summary

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen/potassium ATPase enzyme system in gastric parietal cells. This action suppresses the final step of stomach acid production, providing potent and long-lasting relief from acid-related symptoms and allowing esophageal and stomach tissue to heal.

Purpose

Reduces stomach acid production to treat GERD and ulcers.

Card Summary

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases stomach acid production to treat GERD, peptic ulcers, and related conditions.

Drug Class

proton_pump_inhibitor

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

7.8

Justification:

Highly effective at resolving symptoms and healing tissue in acid-related gastrointestinal disorders.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

9.5

Justification:

Extensive, high-quality human RCTs and meta-analyses confirm efficacy for approved indications.

Safety

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Generally safe for short-term use, but long-term use is linked to multiple health risks.

Flags

• Long-term use is associated with increased risk of bone fractures, kidney disease, and C. difficile infection.
• May decrease the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium.
• Can interact with drugs like clopidogrel (Plavix), reducing their effectiveness.
• Rebound acid hypersecretion can occur upon discontinuation after prolonged use.

Verdict

Highly effective for short-term acid-related disease; long-term use requires medical supervision.

Qualifier

scope: systemic, focused on disease treatment

Created

2026-05-07T01:07:58.970738Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)

Non Healthspan

True