Omeprazole is a medicinal product that belongs to the group of the most progressive agents for the treatment of gastric ulcers and conditions associated with impaired secretory function of the gastric glands.
When is omeprazole prescribed?
Indications for use of the drug Omeprazole:
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- stress ulcers;
- reflux esophagitis;
- lesions of the stomach and duodenal ulcer of erosive-ulcerative nature associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- lesions of the stomach and duodenum associated with the infection of Helicobacter pylori;
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Composition and pharmacological properties of omeprazole
The active substance of the drug is omeprazole magnesium - a chemical compound that easily penetrates the cells of the mucous walls of the stomach, is concentrated in them and activated at an acidic pH. Under its influence, the hydrogen ions exit into the stomach cavity and the final stage of hydrochloric acid production is blocked. In this case, omeprazole effectively suppresses both night and day secretion of hydrochloric acid.
Also, the drug has a bactericidal effect on the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This microorganism parasitizes on the mucous membrane of the human stomach and produces a large number of enzymes and toxins that contribute to damage to its cells.
The combined use of omeprazole and antibiotics contributes to the rapid relief of the symptoms of the disease, the achievement of regeneration of the affected mucosa and a long-lasting remission. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of bleeding from the digestive tract.
Dosage and administration of omeprazole
Omeprazole is available in the form of capsules and granules for the preparation of a suspension. Take the drug inside with a small amount of water before eating or while eating. As a rule, it is recommended to take this medication in the morning. The dosage and the course of treatment are selected by the attending physician on an individual basis, depending on the type of disease and the severity of the process.
Contraindications to the use of omeprazole:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the agent;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- a low level of magnesium in the blood (prolonged use of omeprazole may lead to the development of hypomagnesemia);
- osteoporosis and frequent fractures of bones (sometimes it is possible to take the drug with an additional intake of vitamin D ).
Before the beginning of treatment it is required to exclude the presence of malignant process, t. Therapy can mask the symptoms of this pathology.