What drug class does Omeprazole belong to?

Omeprazole belongs to the class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This class of drugs works by inhibiting the action of proton pumps in the stomach lining, which are responsible for secreting gastric acid. By blocking these pumps, omeprazole effectively reduces the production of stomach acid, providing relief from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

This mechanism of action is key in treating excessive stomach acid production and associated symptoms or complications. Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used for their ability to promote healing of the esophagus and stomach lining, thus playing a crucial role in managing acid-related digestive disorders. The other drug classes mentioned—antihypertensives, antipyretics, and antidepressants—serve entirely different purposes, targeting conditions such as high blood pressure, fever reduction, and mental health, respectively, and do not relate to the function of omeprazole.