Omeprazole vs Esomeprazole

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are medications that fall under the type of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that inhibit hydrochloric acid production in the gastric cavity specifically on the parietal cells. Parietal cells of the stomach are the ones producing hydrochloric acid. Thus, proton pump inhibitors specifically omeprazole and esomeprazole are prescribed for individuals with acidity problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers either gastric or duodenal, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Omeprazole and esomeprazole allow healing process of the gastric cavity by preventing production of acids in the area.

Both omeprazole and esomeprazole are taken before meals for better absorption and effectivity. These drugs must be taken as a whole; crushed, chewed tablets and opened capsules are not effective. Omeprazole and esomeprazole differs slightly chemically. Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole but they functions in the same manner though esomeprazole is known to fuction effectively than omeprazole. Esomeprazole is metabolized slowly than omeprazole. Thus, esomeprazole stays in the blood plasma longer than omeprazole. Consequently, esomeprazole lowers the gastric’s acidity longer.

When taken together with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, omeprazole and esomeprazole can cure infections caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. H. pylorus causes ulcers. Omeprazole and esomeprazole are effective in preventing ulcers caused by certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aside from GERD, ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, omeprazole and esomeprazole are effective also in treating heartburns.

Omeprazole and esomeprazole slower the elimination of warfarin (Coumadin) and certain tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), and phenytoin (Dilantin) thus maximizing their effects in the body. Omeprazole and esomeprazole interacts with other drugs especially those that require stomach acidity. Specifically, omeprazole and esomeprazole affects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs such as nelfinavir. They can either increase or decrease certain drugs’ effectiveness. Health care providers must be knowledgeable and aware of these interactions to prevent untoward incidents and to let drugs function effectively the way they use to be. When you are pregnant or got pregnant while taking omeprazole and esomeprazole, inform the health care providers immediately as these drugs may affect your pregnancy. The physician may prescribe omeprazole and esomeprazole only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Breastfeeding mothers are not advisable to take omeprazole and esomeprazole as these drugs may cause unpleasant effects to babies.

Side effects of omeprazole and esomeprazole are manageable. Common side effects are headaches, rashes, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. Watch out for abnormal heartbeat, weakness, leg cramps, nervousness, and water retention. These symptoms may happen. When these occur, inform the health care providers. Long term use of omeprazole and esomeprazole may cause porous of bones. The individual taking omeprazole and esomeprazole may be at risk for fractures like fractures of wrist, hips, and spine. Hence, omeprazole must not be taken at higher doses and over periods of time. Strictly follow the health care provider’s prescription of use to prevent these effects from occurring.

Prior to taking omeprazole and esomeprazole, read and follow the instructions written on the drug’s label. Take these drugs as prescribed by the health care provider.

Summary:

1.Omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are medications that fall under the type of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that inhibit hydrochloric acid production in the gastric cavity specifically on the parietal cells.

2.Omeprazole and esomeprazole are prescribed for individuals with acidity problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers either gastric or duodenal, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

3.Both omeprazole and esomeprazole are taken before meals for better absorption and effectivity. These drugs must be taken as a whole; crushed, chewed tablets and opened capsules are not effective.

4.Side effects of omeprazole and esomeprazole are manageable. Common side effects are headaches, rashes, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. Watch out for abnormal heartbeat, weakness, leg cramps, nervousness, and water retention. The individual taking omeprazole and esomeprazole may be at risk for fractures like fractures of wrist, hips, and spine.

5.When you are pregnant or got pregnant while taking omeprazole and esomeprazole, inform the health care providers immediately as these drugs may affect your pregnancy. The physician may prescribe omeprazole and esomeprazole only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Breastfeeding mothers are not advisable to take omeprazole and esomeprazole as these drugs may cause unpleasant effects to babies.

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