Omeprazole pill description
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Omeprazole Pill Description
Introduction to Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a widely used proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that effectively reduces gastric acid secretion. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome1 2. This article provides a detailed description of omeprazole, focusing on its pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses, and potential drug interactions.
Pharmacological Properties of Omeprazole
Mechanism of Action
Omeprazole functions by specifically inhibiting the H+, K+-ATPase enzyme, also known as the proton pump, in the parietal cells of the stomach. This enzyme is crucial for the final step in the production of gastric acid. By blocking this enzyme, omeprazole effectively reduces both basal and stimulated acid secretion, regardless of the stimulus1 3.
Absorption and Distribution
When administered orally, omeprazole must be protected from stomach acid, which is why it is provided as encapsulated enteric-coated granules. The absorption of omeprazole can be erratic but is generally rapid. Once absorbed, it is widely distributed and highly protein-bound. Omeprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 system, and has an elimination half-life of about one hour. However, its pharmacological effects last much longer due to its irreversible inhibition of the proton pump1.
Therapeutic Uses of Omeprazole
Treatment of Ulcers and GERD
Omeprazole is highly effective in treating duodenal and gastric ulcers, often providing more rapid and complete healing compared to histamine H2-receptor antagonists like ranitidine and cimetidine. It is particularly beneficial for patients who do not respond well to H2-receptor antagonists, with most ulcers healing within 4 to 8 weeks of therapy3. For GERD and erosive or ulcerative esophagitis, omeprazole significantly improves healing rates and symptom relief, outperforming ranitidine in clinical studies3.
Long-term Maintenance Therapy
Omeprazole can be used as maintenance therapy for peptic ulcer disease and GERD, with daily doses of 20 to 40 mg preventing relapse in a significant majority of patients over extended periods3. It is also the preferred pharmacological option for managing gastric acid secretion in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, with dosages tailored to reduce basal acid output effectively3.
Drug Interactions and Clinical Risk Management
Adverse Drug Interactions
Omeprazole can interact with various medications, affecting their pharmacokinetics and potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy. Notable interactions include those with diazepam, carbamazepine, clozapine, and several antiretroviral drugs. These interactions often involve the induction or inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes, inhibition of drug transport proteins, or altered drug absorption due to gastric acid suppression2.
Factors Influencing Drug Interactions
The degree of drug interactions with omeprazole can be influenced by several factors, including the patient's genetic makeup (e.g., CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 genotypes), ethnicity, dosage, treatment duration, and the specific formulation of the co-administered drug. Clinical professionals must carefully manage these interactions to ensure safe and effective use of omeprazole, often by considering alternative PPIs or histamine H2 antagonists2.
Conclusion
Omeprazole is a potent and widely used proton pump inhibitor that effectively manages various acid-related disorders. Its ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion makes it a valuable therapeutic option for treating ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, due to its potential for significant drug interactions, careful clinical management is essential to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Clinical Pharmacology of Omeprazole
Omeprazole effectively reduces stomach acidity and is particularly effective in treating ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Highly CitedPharmacokinetic drug interaction profile of omeprazole with adverse consequences and clinical risk management
Omeprazole can cause adverse drug interactions with various medications, requiring enhanced clinical risk management to avoid adverse consequences.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedOmeprazole. An updated review of its pharmacology and therapeutic use in acid-related disorders.
Omeprazole is a well-tolerated and well-tolerated acid pump inhibitor for treating various acid-related disorders, with rapid healing and minimal relapse rates.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedOmeprazole. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Omeprazole is a promising drug for rapidly healing peptic ulcers and reducing gastric acid hypersecretion in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, with potential for major advances in these diseases.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedOmeprazole 10 milligrams once daily, omeprazole 20 milligrams once daily, or ranitidine 150 milligrams twice daily, evaluated as initial therapy for the relief of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in general practice.
Omeprazole, 20 mg, is the most effective initial therapy for relief of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedOmeprazole: A Comprehensive Review
Omeprazole is a well-tolerated, fast-healing treatment for various gastric conditions and is superior to conventional therapies for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedOmeprazole is an aryl hydrocarbon-like inducer of human hepatic cytochrome P450.
Omeprazole is an aryl hydrocarbon-like inducer of cytochrome P450 secretion in human liver, potentially increasing the metabolism of xenobiotics and potentiating hepatotoxicity of phenacetin and paracetamol.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedInhibition by omeprazole of adrenocortical response to ACTH: clinical studies and experiments on bovine adrenal cortex in vitro.
Omeprazole reduces peak cortisol response to ACTH stimulation, potentially impairing adrenocortical function in long-term high dose omeprazole treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
RCTOmeprazole. A review of its use in Helicobacter pylori infection, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Omeprazole is effective in treating Helicobacter pylori infection, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and gastrointestinal damage caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with potential for triple therapy regimens.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedOmeprazole. An update of its pharmacology and therapeutic use in acid-related disorders.
Omeprazole is an effective short-term treatment for duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and reflux oesophagitis, with potential for long-term use in maintaining acid-related disorders.
Highly Cited