"Omeprazole" is a tool designed to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is available in various forms, but always has a single mechanism of action. In order for the effect of the use of the medication to be noticeable, it is required to strictly observe the recommendations that the attending physician will give.

Composition and form of release

Omeprazole can be found in three versions. The active connection will be the same everywhere - omeprazole. It is included in the group of proton pump inhibitors and plays an important role in restoring the normal level of acidity in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.

  1. Pills. The most primitive version of the drug. They may contain 10, 20 or 40 mg of active ingredient.
  2. Capsules This is an advanced oral supplement. The active substance in an amount of 10 or 20 mg is covered with a special membrane, which dissolves only in the intestinal environment. This minimizes drug loss within the body.
  3. Powder. From dry matter make infusion solutions for internal administration.

The choice of a specific form of release is the doctor’s task. As a rule, for the effective treatment of most gastrointestinal pathologies associated with a change in acidity, a capsule-shaped drug is prescribed.

Pharmacological action and pharmacokinetics

Omeprazole is a new generation drug that quickly and effectively brings acidity to normal. The active component of the drug works by reducing the activity of gastric juice, one of the components of which is hydrochloric acid.

The drug begins almost immediately after taking it. The medication works in three directions.

  1. The substance of the drug enters the stomach and enters the secretory cells of its walls. There it begins to accumulate, which prevents the synthesis of excess hydrochloric acid. This compound usually activates the main digestive enzyme - pepsin, whose action is aimed at the destruction of peptide bonds in protein molecules. During treatment with omeprazole, acidity decreases, and the enzyme activity stabilizes. Immediately after this, all the unpleasant symptoms that previously bothered the patient disappear.
  2. Omeprazole reduces the rate of production of hydrochloric acid, a substance that is aggressive against sensitive gastrointestinal walls. With a decrease in acidity, the inner shells have a chance to recover.
  3. The active substance Omeprazole negatively affects the pathogenic microflora of the stomach, in particular, the pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which actively reproduce only in an acidic environment. With a decrease in this indicator, pathogenic microbes die, which leads to a quick recovery.

It is important to remember that although Omeprazole is able to reduce the area of ​​colonies of Helicobacter pylori, this drug will not completely eliminate bacteria. For effective treatment, you will need to take special medications - antibiotics.

Moreover, for the eradication of Helicobacter, a parallel intake of at least two different drugs with antimicrobial properties is required.

Why is omeprazole prescribed

Proton pump inhibitors, including Omeprazole, are prescribed for various gastrointestinal pathologies, accompanied by typical symptoms - heartburn, nausea, belching, and stomach pain.

The main indications for using the medication include:

  • gastritis;
  • exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
  • duodenitis;
  • esophagitis;
  • reflux;
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
  • gastropathy with long-term use of NSAIDs.

Omeprazole is an effective and gentle means to normalize the secretion of gastric juice, therefore it can be used not only for severe pathologies and exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, but also for episodic attacks of severe heartburn caused by the use of alcohol, spicy foods, coffee, and some medications.

Instructions for use and dosage

The effectiveness of the use of Omeprazole will be high if the patient carefully listens to the doctor's recommendations and follows them. The drug in any form of release is dispensed, so you can not change the therapy regimen yourself or prescribe yourself a remedy even with obvious indications.

The total duration of the course of treatment will directly depend on the diagnosis.

  1. With uncomplicated heartburn, the medication is prescribed in minimal doses (20 mg once daily). Treatment continues for 14 days. With the return of symptoms, it is possible to resume the course after 4 to 6 months.
  2. In case of gastritis in the acute stage, esophagitis, and ulcer, Omeprazole should be taken for 30-60 days, 20-40 mg of the drug per day. If the maximum dosage is selected, it is divided into two doses.
  3. With gastropathy while taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the medication is taken for 1 to 2 months, 1 capsule or tablet.
  4. To stop the signs of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the daily dose is increased. Usually it is required to take 60 mg of the drug, and if indicated, up to 120 mg, divided into two doses - morning and evening.

The instruction for use involves taking Omeprazole for prophylactic purposes before the upcoming operation to prevent leakage of gastric juice into the esophagus or pharynx. In this case, you need to take 20 - 40 ml of the drug on the eve of the intervention in the evening and the same amount 3 hours before the operation.

Omeprazole Capsules

Capsules are swallowed after eating. You cannot chew and damage their shell. Drink dragees with a small amount of water. The dose is calculated individually and depends on the specific indications.

Omeprazole tablets

The drug is taken by analogy with capsules. It is advisable to swallow the tablet whole and drink it with water.

Solution for intravenous administration

The solution is prepared from powder immediately before administration. This form is usually used in a hospital with the ineffectiveness of tablets and capsules. The volume of the drug is calculated individually, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Typically, for a single administration of 40 mg, the agent is diluted in 100 ml of sodium chloride. In some cases, take 5% glucose.

Pregnancy and lactation

The instruction provides comprehensive information about why Omeprazole is prescribed. There is also evidence of possible contraindications. So, the medicine is extremely undesirable to use during the bearing of the child.

It is strictly prohibited in the first trimester.

In the early stages, the laying of the main organs is underway, so many drugs should be excluded.

In the later stages, pregnant women often suffer from heartburn associated with increased uterine pressure on all internal organs, which provokes the discharge of gastric juice into other departments. To eliminate this condition, it is best to adjust the lifestyle and menu, refusing to take large portions and spicy dishes. Taking medications, in particular Omeprazole, is possible only in cases where heartburn cannot be tolerated or a pregnant woman needs complex treatment of an ulcer or other gastrointestinal pathologies.

Lactation is also included in the list of contraindications, therefore, if omeprazole therapy is necessary, breastfeeding is temporarily suspended.

Drug interaction

"Omeprazole" usually serves as one of the elements of the complex therapy of gastrointestinal pathologies. It is prescribed in conjunction with drugs that have a different effect.

So, to quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms with an ulcer or gastritis, you need:

  • antibiotics (Amoxicillin);
  • histamine blockers ("Ranitidine");
  • gastroprotectors ("Fosfalugel");
  • antacids ("Rennie").

At the same time, preparations containing bismuth can be prescribed. These are effective complex action drugs that destroy pathogenic microbes, repair mucosal damage, and protect the gastrointestinal tract from further destruction. A striking representative of this group of drugs is De Nol.

All of these medications work well with Omeprazole. Together, they allow for high-quality treatment for gastrointestinal pathologies.

It is only important to consider that all drugs that are metabolized in the liver, under the influence of Omeprazole, will be transformed into metabolic products more slowly. Therefore, they will accumulate in biological fluids and tissues.

In addition, the results of studies confirming that Omeprazole is able to enhance the negative effect on the blood vessels of all other drugs are published.

Omeprazole Compatibility with Alcohol

Doctors warn patients that when treating with proton pump blockers, drinking alcohol is extremely undesirable. Both drugs and alcohol greatly stress the liver, which can damage the organ.

In addition, alcohol alone can cause heartburn or stomach pain. This means that the use of Omeprazole for medicinal purposes will not make sense.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

Omeprazole is a popular medicine for controlling heartburn and other signs of indigestion, but you can’t always use it.

The list of main contraindications includes:

  • intolerance to components;
  • pregnancy;
  • breast-feeding;
  • gastritis with low acidity;
  • osteoporosis;
  • oncological diseases of the digestive tract.

Even in the absence of direct contraindications, caution must be exercised in the treatment. Do not exceed the dose calculated by the doctor.

In the opposite case, the patient expects unpleasant symptoms of a drug overdose, such as:

  • nausea;
  • violation of taste perception;
  • disorders of the stool (often diarrhea);
  • cephalgia;
  • increased nervousness;
  • apathy;
  • skin rash;
  • muscle weakness.

Subject to dosages, the drug is usually well tolerated by patients, and side effects are extremely rare. They usually manifest as bloating, flatulence, nausea, mild headaches.

Drug Analogs

Omeprazole, if necessary, can be replaced with similar drugs with similar effects on the body. They should also be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed.

The following proton pump inhibitors are presented in Russian pharmacies:

  • Omez
  • "Gastrozole";
  • "Losek";
  • Omezol;
  • "Gasek";
  • "Bioprazole";
  • "Ulzol."

This is an oral tablet, packed in pallets or plastic bottles. Many of them are cheaper than Omeprazole, although they contain the same active substance.

Omez or Omeprazole - which is better; expert opinion

One of the common analogues of Omeprazole, used in the fight against dyspeptic disorders, is Omez. The drug is made in India and has only one form of release - enteric-coated capsules. The drug contains omeprazole, which suppresses the activity of H + -K + -ATPase, an enzyme secreted by the walls of the stomach.

 

In terms of quality, Omeprazole and Omez preparations are identical to each other, but in different situations, doctors prescribe either the first or second medication. Experts in the field of pharmacology claim that there is still a difference between them.

  • Omeprazole, produced in Russia, contains the maximum concentration of the active substance. This medicine allows you to eliminate the signs of the disease and improve the patient’s well-being as quickly as possible, however, it can provoke side effects.
  • Omez, produced at Indian enterprises, is considered a milder medicine, since the concentration of the active component in it is reduced. Such a drug has fewer contraindications, but its effect comes later.

It is impossible to independently determine which drug should be used in a particular situation. All appointments are always carried out by a doctor after receiving analysis data and additional functional examinations, in particular FGDS.

Similar:More from the author: