Omeprazole and Omeprazole Mg are two drugs coming under the drug class category of proton pump inhibitors. Proton pumps are situated in mitochondrial membranes, which mean they are in all most all cells. The importance of these drugs is that they selectively inhibit proton pumps in the stomach lining. The mechanism of action is to selectively inhibit H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells. In the sense of organic chemistry, both these drugs are benzimidazoles containing substituted benzene ring and imidazole ring. There are slight differences between the two structurally and by activity.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole, also known by the trade names Prilosec and Zegerid, is a proton pump inhibitor. Its empirical formula is C17H19N3O3S and has a molecular weight of 345.42. This drug is prescribed to treat complications related to excessive acid secretion in the stomach such as damage to the esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, this drug cannot render immediate relief from heartburns. When taking the drug, prescriptions should be followed accurately. The tablet should be taken 30 minutes before meals. The pill should be swallowed as a whole without chewing because it may damage the coating which is designed to protect the stomach. Granular suspension only should be taken with apple juice. Sometimes the granular suspension is delivered through nasogastric feeding tube.
There are a number of harmful effects of the drug. Animal studies have shown the chronic usage may cause stomach cancers although it is not confirmed with humans up to date. Tendency to increase bone fracture in hips, wrists, and spine is also found through clinical studies. Long term usage has shown to decrease the Vitamin B12 absorption and, therefore, cause B12 deficiency. Apart from all the harmful effects the drug also has various side effects associated. Uneven and fast heart rate, muscle weakness, diarrhea, coughing and choking, headache and troubles in memory are some of the serious side effects. In addition, weight change, stomach pain, and insomnia are also experienced.
Omeprazole should not be taken if one is allergic to the drug. It should not be taken while under medication of other benzimidazole drugs. If a person is taking HIV AIDS medicine, ampicillin, blood thinner, water pills, iron tablets, diabetes medicine, it is important to seek medical advice before taking Omeprazole.
Omeprazole Magnesium
Omeprazole Mg is the Mg salt of Omeprazole having the empirical formula C17H19MgN3O3S, and the molecular weight is 369.72. Omeprazole Mg differs from Omeprazole structurally and by weight where Omeprazole Mg is slightly heavier. When consider the activity, Omeprazole Mg has the same mechanism of action. However, Omeprazole Mg is considered as the delayed release version of the drug Omeprazole. Therefore, time to produce results for the two vary.
What is the difference between Omeprazole and Omeprazole Mg?
• Omeprazole and Omeprazole Mg are structurally different and have different molecular weights 345.42 and 369.72 respectively.
• Omeprazole Mg is considered as the OTC version or the delayed release version of the drug Omeprazole and, therefore, differs by the time taken to produce results.