OMEPRAZOLE

It is a gastric proton pump inhibitor. Omeprazole is a substituted benzimidazole derivative acts on the final step of acid production &therefore controls intragastric acidity irrespective of stimulus. It markedly inhibits basal & stimulated gastric acid secretion. Thus it is antisecretory drug which is very effective for rapidly healing peptic ulcers & erosive oesophagitis,& for reducing gastric acid hyper-secretion in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Indications

Duodenal and gastric ulcers, reflux or ulcerative oesophagitis. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. NSAID-induced ulcers.

Dosage

Gastric ulcer; 20 mg once daily for 8 wks, in severe cases increase to 40 mg once daily. Reflux oesophagitis; 20 mg once daily for 4wks, Refractory cases 40 mg once daily. Duodenal ulcer; 20 mg once daily for 4 wks. Zollinger Ellison syndrome; 60 mg once daily. Maintenance therapy 20-120 mg adjusted to response, doses over 80 mg daily should be divided in 2 doses.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, neonates.

Special Precautions

Exclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Impaired renal & hepatic functions. Paediatrics: Not recommended. Pregnancy: Safety not established. Lactatio: Safety not established. Elderly: No special problem.

Side Effects

Skin rash, nausea, headache, diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence. Increased risk of enteric infections due to reduced acid secretion.

Drug Interactions

Prolongs elimination of diazepam, warfarin, Phenytoin, Aminophylline, Anti trypsin.