Omeprazole
Omeprazole (brand names: Losec, Losec MUPS, Pyrocalm) is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduces the amount of stomach acid the stomach makes. It is widely used to treat indigestion and heartburn, and acid reflux. It is also taken to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. Sometimes, omeprazole is taken for a rare condition caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.[1]
Proton pumps are enzymes in the lining of the stomach that help it make acid to digest food. Omeprazole prevents proton pumps working properly which reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. Omeprazole starts to work within 2 to 3 days, but it may take up to 4 weeks for it to work fully.[1]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Omeprazole: a medicine to treat heartburn and indigestion". nhs.uk. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2024-06-11.