Omeprazole: a novel antisecretory agent for the treatment of acid-peptic disorders.

Omeprazole represents the first agent of a unique class of acid inhibitory drugs, the proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole inhibits basal gastric acid secretion, as well as gastrin-, histamine-, or pentagastrin-stimulated secretion, which results in decreased gastric acidity, decreased gastric acid output, and decreased gastric volume. Omeprazole is acid labile, necessitating its oral administration in an enteric-coated formulation. Bioavailability appears to be dose-dependent, with more drug being absorbed with increasing dosage as well as after repeated dosing. This is probably secondary to decreased gastric acidity and, therefore, less degradation of the administered drug. Despite its relatively short half-life (1-2 h), omeprazole's pharmacologic action is prolonged. Clinical trials have shown omeprazole to be at least as effective as histamine2-receptor antagonists in the treatment of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Adverse reactions have been minimal. Omeprazole has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for short-term therapy of severe erosive esophagitis, poorly responsive symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, and long-term management of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.