Omeprazole belongs to the class Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used for treatment of gastritis, dyspepsia or what is known as “Acidity” in lay terms.
Mechanism Of Action:
PPIs bind to the proton pump in gastric parietal cells, resulting in suppression of basal and stimulated acid secretion.
Metabolism:
Omeprazole metabolism is mainly through liver. It is non dialysable.
Uses:
- Acute gastritis
- Peptic ulcer disease – gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Erosive esophagitisesophagitis
- GERD
- Zollinger Ellison and other hypersecretory conditions
- In burns, surgery, sepsis or major stressful conditions to the body to prevent stress ulcers.
Dosage:
- Duodenal Ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Various regimens exist of PPIs combined with antibiotics eg. 20 mg twice a day for 10 days, with Amoxicillin 1000 mg 12 hourly, and Clarithromycin 500 m 12 hourly for 10-14 days
- Gastric Ulcer: 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks daily
- GERD 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks
- Erosive Esophagitis: 20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks
Maintenance:
20 mg once Daily for up to 1 year
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome 60 mg once daily (initial) up to 360 mg/day divided q8hr PO
If dose >80 mg, divide it.
Adverse Effects
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Rash
Interactions
Main interactions are with anti HIV drugs, iron preparations, anti virals, anti fungals etc.
Use In Pregnancy:
Its a category C drug in pregnant women where use is with caution if benefit outweighs risk.
Common Brands
Omez, Acicheck, Acidoff
