Effect of Omeprazole, a Substituted Benzimidazole, on 24-H Intragastric Acidity in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease

Abstract

Intragastric pH was measured during physiological conditions over a 24-h period in patients with peptic ulcer disease. After single oral doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg omeprazole, a dose-dependent reduction in mean intragastric acidity ranging from 38%-99% was found. After treatment for 1 wk with omeprazole, 40 mg daily, with or without an initial loading dose of 80 mg, intragastric acidity was decreased by more than 99%. This is a more pronounced decrease in acidity than can be achieved even with very high doses of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.