Omeprazole was the first proton pump inhibitor to be introduced for acid suppression. It inhibits the function of the proton pump which is the final pathway in acid secretion.

It is inactive in neutral pH but acts specifically in areas of low pH such as at the parietal cells that produce acid. Other proton pump inhibitors are lansoprazole and pantoprazole. Esomeprazole is a mirror image molecule of omeprazole.

Omeprazole is given orally in capsules containing coated granules. This drug has a short half life of just one hour yet it remains effective for a long time. One dose of omeprazole can continue to affect acid secretion for 2-3 days.

When taken daily, the benefits gradually increase until the fifth day when the effect reach optimal limit.

Side effects in this group are rare. On the rare occasion proton pump inhibitors can cause headache and diarrhoea. When this occur, it is usually severe but resolve when the drug is discontinued. Rashes can develop.

Also reported as potential side effects are dizziness, mental confusion, impotence, muscle and joint pain, and gynaecomastia.

Omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors represent the best medical acid reflux treatment. These drugs and H2-receptor antagonists have significantly reduced the serious complications of acid reflux.

Dr. Phil Hariram.