The Inhibition of Nocturnal Gastric Acid Secretion by Omeprazole in Patients with Duodenal Ulcer

Abstract

Omeprazole is a substituted benzimidazole which has been shown to act by selective inhibition of the H⁺K⁺ATPase proton pump within the parietal cell. It has a prolonged duration of action, raising the possibility of a once-a-day treatment regime. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of single morning doses of enteric-coated omeprazole on gastric acid secretion during the following night, in the knowledge that excessive night-time gastric secretion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer. The control of nocturnal secretion with bedtime doses of H₂-receptor antagonists has been successful in preventing ulcer recurrence.