Peptic disorders proton pump inhibitors

Since their introduction in the late 1980s, these efficacious acid inhibitory agents have assumed the major role for the treatment of acid-peptic disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now among the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide due to their outstanding efficacy and safety. 

Omeprazole is an antiulcer drug. It is a proton pump inhibitor. This substituted benzimidazole inhibits gastric acid secretion to help acid/peptic disorders and duodenal ulcers. It interferes with the proton pump in the mucous lining of the stomach, the last stage of acid production. It can turn off stomach acid in as little as one hour. Lansoprazole (no. 12) has a similar structure. 

Antacids have been used for centuries in the treatment of patients with dyspepsia and acid-peptic disorders. They were the mainstay of treatment for acid-peptic disorders until the advent of H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. They continue to be used commonly by patients as nonprescription remedies for the treatment of intermittent heartburn and dyspepsia. 

Reversible peripheral edema has been reported in five women taking the proton pump inhibitors omeprazole, lansoprazole, or pantoprazole for 7-15 days for peptic disorders in recommended standard doses (29). Edema disappeared within 2-3 days of withdrawal and reappeared in all five patients after re-exposure. High-dose intravenous infusions of omeprazole and pantoprazole (8 mg/hour) caused peripheral edema in three of six young female volunteers and two of six female volunteers respectively. The edema disappeared within 24 hours of stopping the infusion. Similar high doses of omeprazole did not produce edema in male volunteers. Subsequent studies performed on 10 female volunteers to elucidate the cause of the edema did not show any changes in concentrations of serum hormones or Cl esterase inhibitor. 

H. pylori is a major etiological factor in gastroduodenal disorders such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Therefore, the treatment and prevention of these diseases would be facilitated by its eradication. At present, triple therapies that comprise two antibiotics (clarithromycin and amphotericin B) and a proton pump inhibitor are used to eradicate H. pylori. However, strains that are resistant to antibiotics have appeared. In addition, antibiotic treatment is associated with serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, the discovery of novel antibacterial agents that are highly effective and safe is badly needed for the treatment of H. pylori infection. 

---