Pill of the Month

October 2008-Omeprazole

Omeprazole
Brand Name: Prilosec

Uses:
It is often prescribed for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer in adult and may be combined with various other medications such as clarithromycin and amoxicillin for the treatment of patients with a H. pylori infection. It can also be prescribed for treatment of patients with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) for symptoms such as heartburn and Erosive Esophagitis.

Mechanisms:
Omeprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that suppress gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme system is regarded as the acid (proton) pump within the gastric mucosa, omeprazole has been characterized as a gastric acid-pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production.

Side Effects:
Side effects include: headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence.