What Omeprazole is used for: Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. They work by reducing theamount of acid that your stomach produces. Omeprazole is used to treat the following conditions: In adults: ‘Gastro-esophageal reflux disease’ (GERD). This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet (the tube which connects your throat to your stomach) causing pain, inflammation and heartburn. Ulcers in the upper part of the intestine or stomach. Ulcers which are infected with bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’. Ulcers caused by medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Omeprazole can also be used to stop ulcers from forming if you are taking NSAIDs. Too much acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). In children: Children over 1 year of age and ≥ 10 kg ‘Gastro-esophageal reflux disease’ (GERD). In children, the symptoms of the condition can include the return of stomach contents into the mouth, vomiting and poor weight gain. Children and adolescents over 4 years of age Ulcers which are infected with bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’. How to take Omeprazole: Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and how long to take them for. This will depend on your condition and how old you are. It is recommended that you take your capsules in the morning. You can take your capsules with food or on an empty stomach. Swallow your capsules whole with half a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules. This is because the capsules contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage the pellets.