Effects of Omeprazole on Gastric Secretory Functions

Omeprazole is the first H+-K+-adenosine triphosphatase antagonist available for clinical use. It has a very strong, long-lasting inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion. The effect is very selective: pepsin and intrinsic factor secretion are unaffected. Once-daily doses of 30-40 mg cause a more than 95% reduction of intragastric acidity. Lower doses have less predictable results. During treatment with omeprazole serum gastrin levels increase. After cessation of treatment gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin levels rapidly return to pretreatment levels. No rebound phenomena are observed after treatment.