19.03.2024

Esomeprazole or Omeprazole, the choice of drug

A key similarity between the two drugs is belonging to the same drug group. Both drugs are prescribed for similar diseases and give a very similar effect, but there are still more differences than similarities.

Among the distinguishing features between Omeprazole and Esomeprazole, the difference in the price tag stands out first . Despite all the similarities, Omeprazole, although slightly, is inferior in price to its counterpart.

Secondly, it is worth noting the independence of such a substance as esomeprazole, since in this case it has a different molecular structure.

Thirdly, there is also a difference in the effect of these drugs. Esomeprazole accumulates in the gastric mucosa, which implies not an immediate effect, but the beginning of work only with obvious violations. In this case, we mean the onset of the drug only at times of acidity, namely a few hours after application. Omeprazole, in turn, has an instant effect, regardless of the level of acidity, which gives it an advantage over esomeprazole.

Often, drugs belonging to the same class give the same effect, but can be radically different when interacting with other drugs. An example of this is the so-called proton pump inhibitors or, more simply, drugs for the treatment of the digestive system in acid-dependent diseases. The list of such drugs include Esomeprazole and Omeprazole.

“Esomeprazole” – description and properties

With regards to pharmacological action, the drug is prescribed as an anti-ulcer agent that can reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach by specifically retaining the process of proton movement through parietal cells. It is relevant for diseases such as gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive reflux esophagitis, and also for the prevention of relapse in people with previously cured esophagitis.

Esomeprazole

Contraindications include lactation and hypersensitivity, including it is recommended to take the drug with caution to women during pregnancy. It is not recommended for children under 18 years of age with parenteral administration of the drug, as well as children under the age of 12 with oral administration.

After ingestion of a dosage of 20 or 40 mg of the drug, the effect occurs within an hour. For five days of a single daily intake, the release of hydrochloric acid is significantly reduced. About 78% of patients achieve recovery with stable use of Esomeprazole at a dose of 40 mg / day for one week. The recovery rates when using the drug for 8 weeks are higher and make up 93%.

Together with other antibiotics of this class, taking esomeprazole in a dose of 20 mg twice a day, patients achieve recovery of about 90% of patients.

There are also side effects, which in turn are divided into frequent and rare. Frequent include abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation. Rare are dizziness, itching, hives, and dry mouth.

There are few cases of overdose at present, however, the general weakness and reaction of the gastrointestinal tract are possible from the consequences.

Omeprazole – General Description

Omeprazole is prescribed for peptic ulcers. The drug blocks the transfer of hydrogen ions in the synthesis of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In particular, it acts on parietal cells.

Omeprazole

Externally, the drug looks like a white powder. It is a prodrug, which means the absence of medicinal properties in it as such (without getting into the body).

The composition of the drug contains the substance of the same name and many auxiliary components.

The effect occurs quite quickly, namely within one hour. The drug lasts about 23 hours. Taking “omeprazole” every day at a dosage of 20 mg, the effect is achieved in 3-4 days. In this case, after discontinuation of the drug, the effect remains for several more days.

The list of diseases whose treatment requires the use of the drug includes: peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, heartburn, gastritis with high acidity, gastropathy, etc.

The main contraindication when using this drug is intolerance to the substance itself. Moreover, the drug is contraindicated in women during pregnancy and lactation. Scientifically proven and justified the harm caused to the body of a woman and the fetus by this drug. Thus, the use of omeprazole is allowed only in special cases, when there is no alternative to this drug for the disease. In addition to all of the above, it is not recommended to take Omeprazole for cancer of the stomach or duodenum, as well as suspicion of them.

The list of contraindications is quite large, which justifies the issuance of the drug in pharmacies only by prescription when prescribed by a doctor.

In the case of prolonged use of the drug (two or more months), some side effects are observed: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, etc.

There are rarer side effects, such as: impaired liver function, lethargy, dry mouth, depression, pain in muscles and joints, etc.

What remedy and when to use

As noted above, there is no significant difference between the effect of the two drugs. Both drugs are quite effective in the treatment of gastritis and diseases caused by the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Despite this, doctors in most cases prescribe Omeprazole for peptic ulcers of the stomach or duodenum. With gastroesophageal reflux, Esomeprazole is used.

Nevertheless, it is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication, even given knowledge of the similarities and differences of the drugs in question. Only a qualified doctor will be able to correctly assess the condition of the patient and draw up a treatment plan for him.

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