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 Omeprazole 

      Omeprazole is a widely prescribed proton pump inhibitor used to treat a variety of acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. It effectively reduces stomach acid production by targeting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of disorders such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), peptic ulcers, and erosive esophagitis.

This medication is part of the benzimidazole class of drugs and has proven its efficacy and safety across decades of clinical use.

 It is a solid white to off white crystalline powder, which is freely solluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly solluble in aceton and isopropanol and very solluble in water. The molecular weight of omeprazole is 345.4g/mol. The boiling point is 599.991⁰c  at 760mmHg. The melting point is 155⁰c. 

Omeprazole is marketed under several brand names globally, including Prilosec, Losec, Antra, Esomeprazole, Omeprazon, Parizac, Zegerid, Miol, Dizprazol, Belmazol, Dudencer, Gastrimut, Indurgan, Inhibitron, Logastric, Peptilcer, etc.

■Chemical structure of  Omeprazole:-

The molecular formula of omeprazole is [C17H19N3O3S]

Omeprazole Structure

The IUPAC name of omeprazole is, 

 6-methoxy-2-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole.

■Mechanism of action of Omeprazole:-

            It inhibits the parietal cell H+/K+ ATPase pump because it is a proton pump inhibitor. When omeprazole was administered in vivo, the inhibitor of acid secretion rates was found to correlate with the degree of inhibition of the gastric H+/K+/ATPase purified from the body. It is an antisecretory compound that stops gastric acid secretion. It binds covalently to cysteine residues via a disulfide bridge of the subunit of the H+/K+/ATPase pump, inhibiting gastric acid secretion for up to 36 hours.

■Therapeutic uses of Omeprazole:-

Omeprazole is prescribed for a variety of acid-related gastrointestinal diseases, including:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach contents frequently flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation.
2. Duodenal Ulcers: These ulcers are from the upper portion of the small intestine and are often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.
3. Gastric Ulcer: A Stomach ulcer caused by acid erosion or NSAID use can be effectively treated with Omeprazole.
4. Erosive Esophagitis: This is an inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus caused by prolonged acid exposure.
5. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition where tumors in the pancreas or duodenum cause excessive acid production.
6. Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Omeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, a major cause of ulcers.
7. Dyspepsia (Indigestion): Used to relieve symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and nausea related to acid reflux.

■Recommended dosage of Omeprazole:-

The dose of omeprazole depends on the medical condition and severity of symptoms. It is typically taken once daily before meals for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

 

●The initial dose for Duodenal ulcer is 20mg orally once a day for 4 weeks after a meal.

●The initial dose for a Gastric ulcer is 40mg orally once a day for 4-8 weeks after a meal.

●The initial dose for Heartburn is 20mg orally once a day after a meal.

■Side-effects:-

The major side effects of omeprazole are, 

• Back, leg, or stomach pain.
• Bleeding or crusting sores on the lips.
• Blisters.
• Continuing ulcers.
• Difficult, burning, or painful urination. 
• Itching. 
• Skin rash. 
• Muscle cramps.