Zolat Caps 20mg 14’s(Omeprazole) – Potential Overview

• Brand Name: Zolat
• Generic Name: Omeprazole
• Strength: 20 mg per capsule
• Pack Size: 14 capsules per pack

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Zolat Caps 20 mg contains Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is commonly used to treat conditions associated with excess stomach acid. This medication is effective for treating a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and is generally well tolerated when used according to medical guidelines.

Indications and Uses:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Zolat 20 mg is used to manage the symptoms of GERD, a condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and heartburn.
2. Peptic Ulcers: Omeprazole is used to treat and heal gastric and duodenal ulcers by reducing stomach acid production, preventing further irritation of the ulcerated tissues.
3. Helicobacter pylori Eradication: In combination with antibiotics, omeprazole is used to eradicate H. pylori, a bacterium associated with the development of ulcers.
4. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Omeprazole is used for the long-term treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where tumors in the pancreas or duodenum cause excessive acid secretion.

Mechanism of Action:

Omeprazole works by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme (proton pump) in the parietal cells of the stomach lining. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in acid secretion, and by blocking it, omeprazole reduces gastric acid production, providing relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, promoting ulcer healing, and preventing further damage to the digestive tract.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Omeprazole is well absorbed in the small intestine with a bioavailability of about 40-60%. The peak plasma concentration is reached in 1-2 hours after ingestion.
• Half-Life: The half-life of omeprazole is approximately 1 hour, though its effects last much longer due to the irreversible nature of proton pump inhibition.
• Metabolism: Omeprazole is metabolized by the liver via CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes into inactive metabolites. Genetic variations in CYP2C19 can affect how individuals metabolize the drug.
• Excretion: The majority of omeprazole and its metabolites are excreted through the urine (around 80%), with a smaller percentage excreted in feces.

Drug Interactions:

1. Clopidogrel: Omeprazole may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel, an anti-platelet drug, by inhibiting the CYP2C19 enzyme that activates it. This can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
2. Methotrexate: Omeprazole may increase methotrexate levels, especially when used in high doses, which can result in toxicity.
3. Warfarin: Omeprazole may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding, so careful monitoring of prothrombin time (PT) and INR is needed.
4. Drugs metabolized by CYP2C19: Other drugs such as diazepam, phenytoin, and theophylline may have increased plasma levels when taken with omeprazole due to its inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme.

Food and Drug Interactions:

• Food: The absorption of omeprazole is delayed but not significantly affected by food. For optimal absorption, omeprazole should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal lining and worsen acid reflux symptoms, so it is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol intake while on this medication.

Side Effects:

• Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
• Serious side effects with prolonged use may include osteoporosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, and Clostridium difficile infections in the colon.

Pharmacist Related Data

Chemical Name:

• Omeprazole: 5-Methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]benzimidazole.

Molecular Formula:

• C17H19N3O3S

Pharmacokinetics:

1. Absorption:
   • Omeprazole is well absorbed from the small intestine with a bioavailability of about 40-60% after oral administration. The absorption is not significantly impacted by food; however, it is slightly delayed when taken with meals.
   • The peak plasma concentration occurs approximately 1-2 hours after ingestion.
2. Distribution:
   • Omeprazole is highly protein-bound (about 95%) in the blood, primarily binding to albumin. It is widely distributed throughout the body, including the stomach lining, where its therapeutic effect occurs.
3. Half-Life:
   • The half-life of omeprazole is relatively short (approximately 1 hour), but its acid-suppressing effects last much longer, typically up to 24 hours, due to the irreversible inhibition of the proton pump.
4. Metabolism:
   • Omeprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver by the CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes into inactive metabolites. Genetic variations in the CYP2C19 enzyme (poor metabolizers vs. extensive metabolizers) can affect the rate of metabolism, leading to potential drug accumulation in some individuals.
   • CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) can slow omeprazole metabolism, increasing its plasma concentrations.
5. Excretion:
   • Omeprazole and its metabolites are mainly excreted via the urine, with about 80% of the dose being eliminated this way. The remainder is excreted in the feces.

Pharmacodynamics:

1. Mechanism of Action:
   • Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by irreversibly binding to and inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme (proton pump) found in the parietal cells of the stomach. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in gastric acid secretion.
   • By blocking this proton pump, omeprazole reduces gastric acid production, leading to symptom relief in conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
2. Therapeutic Effects:
   • Acid Reduction: By inhibiting gastric acid secretion, omeprazole promotes the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers, reduces symptoms of GERD (such as heartburn), and prevents acid reflux.
   • Eradication of H. pylori: In combination with antibiotics, omeprazole helps to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium involved in the formation of peptic ulcers.

Drug Interactions:

1. Clopidogrel:
   • Omeprazole may inhibit CYP2C19, the enzyme responsible for activating clopidogrel, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
2. Methotrexate:
   • Omeprazole can increase methotrexate levels, especially with high-dose therapy, which may lead to toxicity.
3. Warfarin:
   • Omeprazole can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended during concurrent use.
4. Diazepam, Phenytoin, Theophylline:
   • Omeprazole may increase the plasma levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 (such as diazepam, phenytoin, and theophylline), which can result in enhanced effects and toxicity.
5. Iron and Calcium:
   • Omeprazole can decrease the absorption of iron and calcium salts, particularly in patients on long-term therapy, which may lead to deficiencies in these nutrients.

Food and Drug Interactions:

1. Food:
   • Although food can delay the absorption of omeprazole, it does not significantly affect the overall bioavailability. **Omeprazole should be taken 30 minutes before meals to optimize its absorption and effectiveness in reducing gastric acid.
2. Alcohol:
   • Alcohol may exacerbate gastric irritation and worsen symptoms of acid reflux. Moderation in alcohol consumption is recommended when taking omeprazole.