Buccal absorption test of omeprazole in human was performed to determine the permeability of the drug molecule through oral mucous membrane. Oral mucosal adhesive tablets of omeprazole were prepared by compressing the omeprazole with a mixture of sodium alginate and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) as bioadhesive polymers, magnesium oxide (MgO) as a stabilizer and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) or cros-carmellose sodium (Ac-Di-Sol) as disintegrants. The bioadhesive force, stability in saliva and release characteristics of the tablets were evaluated. Omeprazole was absorbed about 23% in 15 min through human buccal mucous membrane. Furthermore, omeprazole was stable in saliva for more than 8 hrs when MgO was added to the tablet as the amount of 2.5 fold of omeprazole. The release rate of omeprazole was increased with increasing the amount of sodium alginate in the tablet. From these results, it is suggested that tablets composed of [omeprazole/HPMC/sodium alginate/MgO/Ac-Di-Sol and/or Na CMC (20/6/24/50/10) (mg/tablet)] are potential candidate for buccal drug delivery system.