Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: omeprazole, omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate
BRAND NAME: Prilosec, Zegerid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Omeprazole is in a class of drugs called
proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that block the production of acid by the stomach.
Other drugs in the class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex),
pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Proton pump inhibitors are
used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, which are all caused by
stomach acid. Omeprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme
in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the
production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to
heal. Zegerid contains omeprazole and an antacid (sodium bicarbonate). The FDA
approved omeprazole in September 1989.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes (Prilosec)
PRESCRIPTION: Yes; No (Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC)
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 10, 20 and 40 mg. Tablets: 20 mg (Prilosec
OTC). Powder for oral suspension: 20 and 40 mg
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F) and tablets at
20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). They should be kept away from moisture and light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Omeprazole is used for treating acid-induced inflammation and
ulcers of the stomach and duodenum; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
erosive esophagitis, heartburn; prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in
critically ill patients; and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It also is used in
combination with antibiotics for eradicating
H. pylori infection of the stomach.
DOSING: For ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis and eradication of H. pylori
the recommended dose for adults is 20-40 mg daily. Ulcer healing usually occurs
within 4-8 weeks.
H. pylori infections are treated for 10-28 days.
The usual
dose for prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill
patients is 40 mg daily for 14 days.
Prilosec OTC is used for treating heartburn
for up to two weeks, and the usual dose is 20 mg daily.
For the management of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome the starting dose for adults
is 60 mg daily, and the dose is adjusted based on either the response of
symptoms or the actual measurement of acid production. Doses greater than 80 mg
should be divided. Doses up to 120 mg three times a day have been used in the
treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
For maximal efficacy, omeprazole tablets should be taken before meals,
swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed or opened.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Omeprazole potentially can increase the concentrations in
blood of diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Coumadin), and phenytoin (Dilantin) by
decreasing the elimination of these drugs by the liver.
The absorption of certain drugs may be affected by stomach acidity.
Therefore, omeprazole as well as other PPIs reduce the absorption and
concentration in blood of ketoconazole (Nizoral) and increase the absorption and
concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin). This may reduce the effectiveness
of ketoconazole or increase digoxin toxicity.
Through unknown mechanisms, omeprazole may increase blood levels of
saquinavir and reduce blood levels of nelfinavir and atazanavir, drugs that are
used for treating patients with infection caused by the
human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). Accordingly, the dose of saquinavir may need to be
reduced to avoid toxicity, and the doses of nelfinavir and atazanavir may need
to be increased to maintain efficacy.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
- pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
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