Cosec 20

Omeprazole offers significant therapeutic gains in the treatment of acid related diseases. Healing rates are high in duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and erosive reflux oesophagitis; acid production is controlled effectively in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and symptom relief is prompt and sustained in all indications. Less clear-cut indications where benefit might be expected but where data are limited include:

• Prevention of stress ulceration
• Prevention of the acid aspiration syndrome
• Treatment of upper gastro-intestinal bleeding

NOTE: In comparative studies, Omeprazole has been found to produce faster symptom relief and higher healing rates in a greater percentage of patients than either Cimetidine or Ranitidine, confirming the ‘therapeutic gains’ achievable with Omeprazole over existing therapies.

Proton Pump Inhibitor

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. This effect is dose-related and leads to inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus.

Oral-

Duodenal Ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. In severe cases, 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks.

Gastric Ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. In severe cases, 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks.

Erosive Reflux Oesophagitis: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. For those not fully healed, to be continued for 4 more weeks. Refractory Reflux Oesophagitis: 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: 60 mg once daily, adjusted individually and continued as long as necessary.

Most patients will be effectively controlled with 20-120 mg daily. Dosage above 80 mg should be divided and given twice daily. Long-term maintenance treatment with Omeprazole is not recommended.

Impaired Renal or Hepatic Function: Adjustment is not required. Patients with severe liver disease should not require more than 20 mg Omeprazole daily