Omeprazole

(oh ME pra zohl)

Introduced: 1986

Prescription: USA: Yes Canada: Yes

Available as Generic: USA: No Canada: No

Brand Name: Prilosec (formerly Losec)

Class: Antiulcer, gastric acid inhibitor

Controlled Drug: USA: No

Canada: No

Principal Uses

As a Single Drug Product: Used primarily to inhibit the secretion of stomach acid, an important first step in the treatment of several conditions associated with excessive stomach acid production: acute and chronic gastritis, reflux esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, mastocytosis, endocrine adenomas, active gastric and duodenal ulcer.

How This Drug Works: By inhibiting the action of a specific enzyme system in the acid-secreting cells of the stomach lining, this drug arrests the production of stomach acid and thereby (1) eliminates a principal cause of the condition under treatment, and (2) creates an environment conducive to healing.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Capsules, delayed-release — 20 mg

Usual Adult Dosage Range: Reflux esophagitis: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily

for 4 to 8 weeks.

Excessive stomach acid conditions: 60 mg once daily for as long as neces­sary.

Gastric and duodenal ulcer: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.

In extreme conditions, doses of 120 mg daily, in divided doses, have been used. Note: Actual dosage and administration schedule must be determined by the physician for each patient individually.

Dosing Instructions: Take immediately before eating, preferably the morn­ing meal. The capsule should be swallowed whole without opening; the contents should not be crushed or chewed. This drug may be taken concurrently with antacids if they are needed to relieve stomach pain.

Usual Duration of Use:

Continual use on a regular schedule for 2 to 3 weeks is usually necessary to determine this drug's effectiveness in suppressing stomach acid pro­duction. Long-term use (months to years) requires periodic evaluation of response and dosage adjustment. Consult your physician on a regu­lar basis.

Possible Advantages of This Drug

Effectively inhibits acid secretion at all times: basal conditions (stomach empty and at rest) and following food, alcohol, smoking or other stimulants.

Is more effective than H-2 receptor blocking drugs in treating severe reflux esophagitis and refractory duodenal ulcer.

Currently a " Drug of Choice"

for the short-term treatment of severe reflux esophagitis and for the long-term treatment of Zollinger-EUison syndrome.