Zoltar Cap 20 Mg 14’s(Omeprazole)-Potential Overview

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

Zoltar 20mg Capsules are used primarily to treat stomach and esophagus issues like acid reflux, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The active ingredient in Zoltar is Omeprazole, a type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Mechanism of Action:

Omeprazole works by blocking the proton pump in the stomach lining, thereby inhibiting the final step of acid production. This helps reduce the amount of stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn, ulcers, and other related conditions.

Uses:

• Stomach ulcers: It helps heal ulcers and prevent their recurrence by reducing stomach acid.
• Acid reflux: Effective in managing symptoms of acid reflux or GERD by blocking acid production.
• Duodenal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori eradication: In combination with other antibiotics, it aids in treating ulcers caused by H. pylori.

Dosage and Administration: Typically, one capsule per day is recommended for adults, with a specific duration depending on the condition being treated. It’s important not to exceed the prescribed dose.

Side Effects: Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation These side effects are usually mild and tend to subside as your body adjusts to the medication

Precautions: Before using Zoltar, inform your doctor if you have a history of:

• Liver disease
• Lupus
• Allergies to omeprazole or other PPIs (like esomeprazole, pantoprazole)

Price and Availability: Zoltar 20mg is commonly priced around Rs. 130 for a pack of 14 capsules​

Pharmacist Related Data

Chemical Information

• Chemical Name:
  Omeprazole: 5-Methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole.
• Molecular Formula:
  **C₁₉H₁₉N₃O₅S.
• Molecular Weight:
  345.4 g/mol.

Pharmacodynamics

• Mechanism of Action:
  Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which works by irreversibly inhibiting the proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase) in the parietal cells of the stomach lining. This prevents the final step of gastric acid production, leading to a significant reduction in stomach acid secretion.
• Clinical Effect:
  Omeprazole effectively reduces gastric acid secretion, which helps in the treatment of acid-related conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It provides relief from heartburn, promotes ulcer healing, and helps manage acid reflux.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption:
   • Omeprazole is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. However, its absorption can be reduced in the presence of food.
   • The bioavailability is about 35-40% after a single dose, and it increases to 60-70% with repeated doses due to its reduced first-pass metabolism.
   • Peak plasma concentrations occur approximately 1-2 hours after oral administration.
2. Distribution:
   • Omeprazole is highly protein-bound (approximately 95%), primarily to albumin in the bloodstream. It is well distributed throughout the body and accumulates in the gastric parietal cells, where it exerts its acid-suppressing effects.
3. Metabolism:
   • Omeprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system (primarily CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes). These enzymes convert it into inactive metabolites, which are then excreted in the urine.
   • Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 can affect the metabolism of omeprazole, making some individuals “poor metabolizers” and others “fast metabolizers.”
4. Half-Life:
   • The elimination half-life of omeprazole is relatively short, ranging from 0.5 to 1 hour. However, its therapeutic effects on gastric acid suppression last much longer (up to 24 hours).
5. Excretion:
   • The drug is predominantly excreted via the urine, with a small portion eliminated in the feces. The elimination of metabolites is mainly renal, accounting for about 80% of the dose.

Drug Interactions

1. Drug Interactions with Other Medications:
   • Clopidogrel: Omeprazole may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel (an antiplatelet drug) by inhibiting its activation through CYP2C19, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
   • Warfarin: Omeprazole may interact with warfarin and increase its anticoagulant effect, leading to a higher risk of bleeding.
   • Diazepam, Phenytoin, and Cyclosporine: These drugs may have increased plasma levels when taken with omeprazole due to inhibition of their metabolism by the liver enzymes CYP2C19 and CYP3A4.
   • Methotrexate: Omeprazole can increase the plasma concentration of methotrexate, potentially causing toxicity, especially when used in high doses.
2. Drug Interactions with Food:
   • Food can delay the absorption of omeprazole, but it does not significantly affect its overall bioavailability. It is therefore recommended to take omeprazole 30 minutes before meals to enhance absorption.
   • The acid-lowering effect of omeprazole may alter the absorption of drugs that require an acidic environment, such as ketoconazole and iron salts.