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" What is omeprazole used for? Your doctor may prescribe omeprazole for one of the following reasons in adults and children:  Relieving indigestion and\u00A0heartburn related to excess production of\u00A0stomach acid.  Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease\u00A0(acid reflux). Treating\u00A0stomach and intestinal\u00A0ulcers\u00A0(peptic ulcers). Eradicating the\u00A0bacteria in the gut (Helicobacter pylori) that cause peptic ulcers (in combination with antibiotics). Preventing, treating and relieving symptoms of peptic ulcers or erosions associated with anti-inflammatory painkillers called\u00A0non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), eg ibuprofen, diclofenac. Reducing excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) while under general anaesthetic. Following endoscopic treatment of severe\u00A0bleeding from a\u00A0peptic ulcer, omeprazole may be given via a\u00A0drip into a vein\u00A0to reduce\u00A0the risk of further\u00A0bleeding from the ulcer and the\u00A0need for\u00A0surgery. This is an unlicensed use of omeprazole.  Omeprazole 10mg tablets\u00A0can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies for the following reason:  Relieving heartburn symptoms associated with stomach\u00A0acid reflux in adults aged 18 years and over.\u00A0  How does omeprazole work? Omeprazole is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor.\u00A0Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Omeprazole works by\u00A0inhibiting the action of the proton pumps and this reduces the production of stomach acid. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach omeprazole helps relieve indigestion symptoms caused by excess stomach acid. It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and so relieves painful\u00A0heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the foodpipe (oesophagus) to heal if it has been damaged by the acid.   By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum, omeprazole allows peptic ulcers to heal\u00A0and helps stop them coming back. When taken\u00A0with antibiotics to help eradicate\u00A0H\u00A0pylori\u00A0bacteria\u00A0from the stomach, omeprazole helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria. How long does\u00A0omeprazole take\u00A0to work? This depends\u00A0on what condition is being treated. You should get some relief from heartburn and indigestion symptoms straight away, or at least in the first few days of taking omeprazole. However, you may\u00A0need to keep taking omeprazole for a few weeks, depending on why you are taking it. Some conditions may require you to take omeprazole on a long-term basis, either to\u00A0keep symptoms under control or to avoid\u00A0the condition coming back. What brands of omeprazole are available? Omeprazole is a generic medicine. It is also available under various\u00A0brand names, such as\u00A0the following:  Boots acid reflux tablets. Dexcel heartburn relief tablets. Losec capsules. Losec MUPS\u00A0tablets. Mepradec capsules. Mezzopram dispersible tablets. Zanprol tablets.\u00A0  How do I take omeprazole? What should I know before taking omeprazole? Who shouldn&amp;#039;t take\u00A0omeprazole? Can I take omeprazole while pregnant or breastfeeding? What are the possible side effects of omeprazole? Can I take other medicines with omeprazole? Last updated:\u00A027/04/2016 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestive-health/a26381/omeprazole-uses-and-action/>