Omeprazole
Article Abstract:
Omeprazole is a new drug that reduces stomach acid secretion. It has been approved for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, the backflow of the stomach contents into the esophagus, and long-term treatment of hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterized by tumors of the pancreas that secrete excessive amounts of the hormone gastrin, which increases stomach acid secretion. Omeprazole has also been used for treating ulcers of the stomach and intestine. The drug binds to the protein H+,K+-ATPase, which transports hydrogen ions out of the stomach parietal cells in the process by which acid is released into the stomach cavity. Omeprazole is unstable in acid and is given in a protective capsule form. Fifty percent of the dose reaches the circulation, where 95 percent is bound to blood proteins. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the bile and urine. Omeprazole causes a maximum decrease in stomach acid secretion within two hours. Several studies have shown that omeprazole was equally effective or more effective than another agent, ranitidine, in healing the following conditions: reflux esophagitis, the inflammation of the esophagus due to regurgitation of stomach contents; ulcers in the stomach and intestine; and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Although omeprazole has a low incidence of side effects, the long-term suppression of stomach acid secretion may lead to the formation of carcinoid, a type of tumor, and overgrowth of bacteria. Thus, it is recommended that omeprazole be used only for periods of four to eight weeks, for treating severe reflux esophagitis, ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Lansoprazole
Article Abstract:
The newly introduced drug lansoprazole may heal ulcers and heartburn while contributing to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, bacilli recently linked to peptic ulcers. Lansoprazole, a benzimidazole derivative, inhibits acid secretion within 1 to 2 hours. Lansoprazole has similar or better pharmaceutical action than omeprazole, especially in the treatment of H. pylori-positive patients. Additional antibacterial drugs are required for both lansoprazole and omeprazole therapy against H. pylori. Most trials involved daily doses of 30 milligrams lansoprazole and 20 mg omeprazole. About 86 percent of 279 patients responded to lansoprazole within two weeks and 97% healed after four weeks. Lansoprazole causes few serious side effects, except abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The manufacturer recommends daily doses of 15 mg lansoprazole for general ulcer treatment, although most studies doubled this dose. Thirty capsules cost $97.51 wholesale.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
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Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Article Abstract:
Pantoprazole appears to be as good as other proton pump inhibitors and is less expensive. Sold under the trade name Protonix, it is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The FDA may approve an intravenous formulation.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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