omeprazole
Prescription omeprazole is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Prescription omeprazole is used to treat damage from GERD in adults and children 1 month of age and older. Prescription omeprazole is used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults and children 1 year of age and older with GERD. Prescription omeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. Prescription omeprazole is also used to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine) and it is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori) in adults. Nonprescription (over-the-counter) omeprazole is used to treat frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs at least 2 or more days a week) in adults. Omeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking omeprazole affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether taking omeprazole can make it harder to get pregnant. Information from animal studies does not suggest that omeprazole affects female fertility. Any concerns about fertility should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking omeprazole increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Information from limited studies suggests that taking omeprazole during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation.
Does taking omeprazole increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. Omeprazole is the best studied of the proton pump inhibitors, and available information does not suggest an increased chance of birth defects when it is used in pregnancy. Decisions about using omeprazole during pregnancy should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Can taking omeprazole during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Information from limited studies suggests that taking omeprazole is not likely to cause other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Esomeprazole (which contains the same active medication) is being studied as a possible treatment to help prevent preeclampsia. Any questions about your individual pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking omeprazole during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether omeprazole use during pregnancy can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. The fact sheet does not provide further specifics on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. This is a good topic to bring up with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking omeprazole?
Limited data suggest that typical daily doses of omeprazole result in low levels of the medication in breastmilk, and the amounts in breastmilk are not expected to be harmful to a nursing infant. As with any medication used during breastfeeding, it is best to discuss your specific situation and any questions with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
omeprazole