Patient/caregiver was instructed upon mechanism of action of omeprazole as follows:
- Omeprazole is a medication belonging to the group of medications called proton pump inhibitors, which help to reduce acid secreted in the stomach.
- Proton pump is a mechanism in the parietal cells of stomach, which helps to secrete acid into the stomach. This acid secreted helps with activation of some enzymes in the stomach, which aids in digestion of food. Also, the highly acidic environment in the stomach prevents growth of microorganisms and helps prevent development of any infection.
- Sometimes, due to excess acid in the stomach, individuals can present with symptoms of heartburn, dyspepsia, damage and erosion of the inner lining of stomach and duodenum leading to ulcer formation. Also, individuals can present with symptoms of reflux esophagitis, when the acid in the stomach due to various reasons washes up into the esophagus and results in symptoms of GERD.
- Omeprazole inhibits the proton pump in the stomach, thereby, helping to reduce the amount of acid secreted into the stomach. This reduced acid secretion helps with relief from symptoms of heartburn, dyspepsia, and GERD. The reduced acid secretion also helps with healing of the eroded inner lining of stomach and duodenum, thereby, contributing to duodenal and gastric ulcer healing.
