OMEPRAZOLE DELAYED-RELEASE
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omeprazole capsule, delayed release
Sandoz Inc
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OMEPRAZOLE DELAYED-RELEASE CAPSULES, USP
DESCRIPTION
The active ingredient in omeprazole delayed-release capsules is a substituted benzimidazole, 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3, 5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, a compound that inhibits gastric acid secretion. Its empirical formula is C17H19N3O3S, with a molecular weight of 345.42. The structural formula is:
Omeprazole is a white to off-white crystalline powder which melts with decomposition at about 155°C. It is a weak base, freely soluble in ethanol and methanol, and slightly soluble in acetone and isopropanol and very slightly soluble in water. The stability of omeprazole is a function of pH; it is rapidly degraded in acid media, but has acceptable stability under alkaline conditions.
Omeprazole is supplied as delayed-release capsules for oral administration. Each delayed-release capsule contains either 10 mg or 20 mg of omeprazole in the form of enteric-coated granules. In addition each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: acetone, anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, dehydrated alcohol, dibutyl sebacate, hypromellose phtalate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, povidone and talc.
The capsule shells have the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose and titanium dioxide. In addition, the 10 mg capsule also contains red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide. The ink used for printing contains black iron oxide.
The drug release test and the Dissolution test to be performed according to USP Test 2.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism: Omeprazole
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules contain an enteric-coated granule formulation of omeprazole (because omeprazole is acid-labile), so that absorption of omeprazole begins only after the granules leave the stomach. Absorption is rapid, with peak plasma levels of omeprazole occurring within 0.5 to 3.5 hours. Peak plasma concentrations of omeprazole and AUC are approximately proportional to doses up to 40 mg, but because of a saturable first-pass effect, a greater than linear response in peak plasma concentration and AUC occurs with doses greater than 40 mg. Absolute bioavailability (compared to intravenous administration) is about 30-40% at doses of 20-40 mg, due in large part to presystemic metabolism. In healthy subjects the plasma half-life is 0.5 to 1 hour, and the total body clearance is 500-600 mL/min. Protein binding is approximately 95%.
The bioavailability of omeprazole increases slightly upon repeated administration of omeprazole delayed-release capsules.
Following single dose oral administration of a buffered solution of omeprazole, little if any unchanged drug was excreted in urine. The majority of the dose (about 77%) was eliminated in urine as at least six metabolites. Two were identified as hydroxyomeprazole and the corresponding carboxylic acid. The remainder of the dose was recoverable in feces. This implies a significant biliary excretion of the metabolites of omeprazole. Three metabolites have been identified in plasma — the sulfide and sulfone derivatives of omeprazole, and hydroxyomeprazole. These metabolites have very little or no antisecretory activity.
In patients with chronic hepatic disease, the bioavailability increased to approximately 100% compared to an I.V. dose, reflecting decreased first-pass effect, and the plasma half-life of the drug increased to nearly 3 hours compared to the half-life in normals of 0.5-1 hour. Plasma clearance averaged 70 mL/min, compared to a value of 500-600 mL/min in normal subjects.
In patients with chronic renal impairment, whose creatinine clearance ranged between 10 and 62 mL/min/1.73 m2, the disposition of omeprazole was very similar to that in healthy volunteers, although there was a slight increase in bioavailability. Because urinary excretion is a primary route of excretion of omeprazole metabolites, their elimination slowed in proportion to the decreased creatinine clearance.
The elimination rate of omeprazole was somewhat decreased in the elderly, and bioavailability was increased. Omeprazole was 76% bioavailable when a single 40 mg oral dose of omeprazole (buffered solution) was administered to healthy elderly volunteers, versus 58% in young volunteers given the same dose. Nearly 70% of the dose was recovered in urine as metabolites of omeprazole and no unchanged drug was detected. The plasma clearance of omeprazole was 250 mL/min (about half that of young volunteers) and its plasma half-life averaged one hour, about twice that of young healthy volunteers.
In pharmacokinetic studies of single 20 mg omeprazole doses, an increase in AUC of approximately four-fold was noted in Asian subjects compared to Caucasians.
Dose adjustment, particularly where maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis is indicated, for the hepatically impaired and Asian subjects should be considered.
When voriconazole (400 mg Q 12 h x 1 day, then 200 mg x 6 days) was given with omeprazole (40 mg once daily x 7 days) to healthy subjects, it significantly increased the steady-state Cmax and AUC0-24 of omeprazole, an average of 2 times (90% CI: 1.8, 2.6) and 4 times (90% CI: 3.3, 4.4), respectively as compared to when omeprazole was given without voriconazole.
Omeprazole delayed-release capsule 40 mg was bioequivalent when administered with and without applesauce. However, omeprazole delayed-release capsule 20 mg was not bioequivalent when administered with and without applesauce. When administered with applesauce, a mean 25% reduction in Cmax was observed without a significant change in AUC for omeprazole delayed-release capsule 20 mg. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.
The pharmacokinetics of omeprazole have been investigated in pediatric patients of different ages.
| Single or | Children† | Children† | Adults‡ |
| Repeated | < 20kg | > 20kg | (mean 76 kg) |
| Oral Dosing | 2-5 years | 6-16 years | 23-29 years |
| /Parameter | 10 mg | 20 mg | (n=12) |
| Single Dosing | |||
|
Cmax * (ng/mL) | 288 (n=10) | 495 (n=49) | 668 |
|
AUC* (ng h/mL) | 511 (n=7) | 1140 (n=32) | 1220 |
| Repeated Dosing | |||
|
Cmax * (ng/mL) | 539 (n=4) | 851 (n=32) | 1458 |
|
AUC* (ng h/mL) | 1179 (n=2) | 2276 (n=23) | 3352 |
Note: * = plasma concentration adjusted to an oral dose of 1 mg/kg.
† Data from single and repeated dose studies
‡ Data from a single and repeated dose study
Doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg Omeprazole as Enteric-Coated Granules.
Following comparable mg/kg doses of omeprazole, younger children (2-5 years) have lower AUCs than children 6-16 years or adults; AUCs of the latter two groups did not differ. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION- Pediatric Patients.)
Pharmacokinetics: Combination Therapy with Antimicrobials
Omeprazole 40 mg daily was given in combination with clarithromycin 500 mg every 8 hours to healthy adult male subjects. The steady state plasma concentrations of omeprazole were increased (Cmax, AUC0-24, and T1/2 increases of 30%, 89% and 34% respectively) by the concomitant administration of clarithromycin. The observed increases in omeprazole plasma concentration were associated with the following pharmacological effects. The mean 24-hour gastric pH value was 5.2 when omeprazole was administered alone and 5.7 when co-administered with clarithromycin.
The plasma levels of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were increased by the concomitant administration of omeprazole. For clarithromycin, the mean Cmax was 10% greater, the mean Cmin was 27% greater, and the mean AUC0-8 was 15% greater when clarithromycin was administered with omeprazole than when clarithromycin was administered alone. Similar results were seen for 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin, the mean Cmax was 45% greater, the mean Cmin was 57% greater, and the mean AUC0-8 was 45% greater. Clarithromycin concentrations in the gastric tissue and mucus were also increased by concomitant administration of omeprazole.
| Tissue | Clarithromycin | Clarithromycin +Omeprazole |
| Antrum | 10.48 ± 2.01 (n=5) |
19.96 ± 4.71 (n=5) |
| Fundus | 20.81 ± 7.64 (n=5) |
24.25 ± 6.37 (n=5) |
| Mucus | 4.15 ± 7.74 (n=4) |
39.29 ± 32.79 (n=4) |
1Mean ± SD (mcg/g)
For information on clarithromycin pharmacokinetics and microbiology, consult the clarithromycin package insert, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section.
The pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin have not been adequately studied when all three drugs are administered concomitantly.
For information on amoxicillin pharmacokinetics and microbiology, see the amoxicillin package insert, ACTIONS, PHARMACOLOGY and MICROBIOLOGY sections.
Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of Action
Omeprazole belongs to a new class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that do not exhibit anticholinergic or H2 histamine antagonistic properties, but that suppress gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme system is regarded as the acid (proton) pump within the gastric mucosa, omeprazole has been characterized as a gastric acid-pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production. This effect is dose-related and leads to inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus. Animal studies indicate that after rapid disappearance from plasma, omeprazole can be found within the gastric mucosa for a day or more.
Antisecretory Activity
After oral administration, the onset of the antisecretory effect of omeprazole occurs within one hour, with the maximum effect occurring within two hours. Inhibition of secretion is about 50% of maximum at 24 hours and the duration of inhibition lasts up to 72 hours. The antisecretory effect thus lasts far longer than would be expected from the very short (less than one hour) plasma half-life, apparently due to prolonged binding to the parietal H+/K+ ATPase enzyme. When the drug is discontinued, secretory activity returns gradually, over 3 to 5 days. The inhibitory effect of omeprazole on acid secretion increases with repeated once-daily dosing, reaching a plateau after four days.
Results from numerous studies of the antisecretory effect of multiple doses of 20 mg and 40 mg of omeprazole in normal volunteers and patients are shown below. The “max” value represents determinations at a time of maximum effect (2-6 hours after dosing), while “min” values are those 24 hours after the last dose of omeprazole.
| Parameter | Omeprazole 20 mg | Omeprazole 40 mg | ||
| Max | Min | Max | Min | |
|
% Decrease in Basal Acid Output | 78* | 58-80 | 94* | 80-93 |
|
% Decrease in Peak Acid Output | 79* | 50-59 | 88* | 62-68 |
|
% Decrease in 24-hr.Intragastric Acidity | 80-97 | 92-94 | ||
*Single Studies
Single daily oral doses of omeprazole ranging from a dose of 10 mg to 40 mg have produced 100% inhibition of 24-hour intragastric acidity in some patients.
Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) Cell Effects
In 24-month carcinogenicity studies in rats, a dose-related significant increase in gastric carcinoid tumors and ECL cell hyperplasia was observed in both male and female animals (see PRECAUTIONS, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility). Carcinoid tumors have also been observed in rats subjected to fundectomy or long-term treatment with other proton pump inhibitors or high doses of H2-receptor antagonists.
Human gastric biopsy specimens have been obtained from more than 3000 patients treated with omeprazole in long-term clinical trials. The incidence of ECL cell hyperplasia in these studies increased with time; however, no case of ECL cell carcinoids, dysplasia, or neoplasia has been found in these patients. (See also CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions). However, these studies are of insufficient duration and size to rule out the possible influence of long-term administration of omeprazole on the development of any premalignant or malignant conditions.
Serum Gastrin Effects
In studies involving more than 200 patients, serum gastrin levels increased during the first 1 to 2 weeks of once-daily administration of therapeutic doses of omeprazole in parallel with inhibition of acid secretion. No further increase in serum gastrin occurred with continued treatment. In comparison with histamine H2-receptor antagonists, the median increases produced by 20 mg doses of omeprazole were higher (1.3 to 3.6 fold vs. 1.1 to 1.8 fold increase). Gastrin values returned to pretreatment levels, usually within 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of therapy.
Other Effects
Systemic effects of omeprazole in the CNS, cardiovascular and respiratory systems have not been found to date. Omeprazole, given in oral doses of 30 or 40 mg for 2 to 4 weeks, had no effect on thyroid function, carbohydrate metabolism, or circulating levels of parathyroid hormone, cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, cholecystokinin or secretin.
No effect on gastric emptying of the solid and liquid components of a test meal was demonstrated after a single dose of omeprazole 90 mg. In healthy subjects, a single I.V. dose of omeprazole (0.35 mg/kg) had no effect on intrinsic factor secretion. No systematic dose-dependent effect has been observed on basal or stimulated pepsin output in humans.
However, when intragastric pH is maintained at 4.0 or above, basal pepsin output is low, and pepsin activity is decreased.
As do other agents that elevate intragastric pH, omeprazole administered for 14 days in healthy subjects produced a significant increase in the intragastric concentrations of viable bacteria. The pattern of the bacterial species was unchanged from that commonly found in saliva. All changes resolved within three days of stopping treatment.
The course of Barrett’s esophagus in 106 patients was evaluated in a U.S. double-blind controlled study of omeprazole 40 mg b.i.d. for 12 months followed by 20 mg b.i.d. for 12 months or ranitidine 300 mg b.i.d. for 24 months. No clinically significant impact on Barrett’s mucosa by antisecretory therapy was observed. Although neosquamous epithelium developed during antisecretory therapy, complete elimination of Barrett’s mucosa was not achieved. No significant difference was observed between treatment groups in development of dysplasia in Barrett’s mucosa and no patient developed esophageal carcinoma during treatment. No significant differences between treatment groups were observed in development of ECL cell hyperplasia, corpus atrophic gastritis, corpus intestinal metaplasia, or colon polyps exceeding 3 mm in diameter (see also CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) Cell Effects).
Clinical Studies
Duodenal Ulcer Disease
Active Duodenal Ulcer— In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 147 patients with endoscopically documented duodenal ulcer, the percentage of patients healed (per protocol) at 2 and 4 weeks was significantly higher with omeprazole 20 mg once a day than with placebo (p ≤0.01).
|
Omeprazole 20 mg a.m. (n=99) |
Placebo a.m. (n=48) |
|
| Week 2 | *41 |
13 |
| Week 4 | * 75 |
27 |
*(p ≤ 0.01)
Complete daytime and nighttime pain relief occurred significantly faster (p ≤ 0.01) in patients treated with omeprazole 20 mg than in patients treated with placebo. At the end of the study, significantly more patients who had received omeprazole had complete relief of daytime pain (p ≤ 0.05) and nighttime pain (p ≤ 0.01).
In a multicenter, double-blind study of 293 patients with endoscopically documented duodenal ulcer, the percentage of patients healed (per protocol) at 4 weeks was significantly higher with omeprazole 20 mg once a day than with ranitidine 150 mg b.i.d. (p < 0.01).
|
Omeprazole 20 mg a.m. (n=145) |
Ranitidine 150 mg b.i.d (n=148) |
|
| Week 2 | 42 | 34 |
| Week 4 | * 82 | 63 |
*(p<0.01)
Healing occurred significantly faster in patients treated with omeprazole than in those treated with ranitidine 150 mg b.i.d. (p < 0.01).
In a foreign multinational randomized, double-blind study of 105 patients with endoscopically documented duodenal ulcer, 20 mg and 40 mg of omeprazole were compared to 150 mg b.i.d. of ranitidine at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. At 2 and 4 weeks both doses of omeprazole were statistically superior (per protocol) to ranitidine, but 40 mg was not superior to 20 mg of omeprazole, and at 8 weeks there was no significant difference between any of the active drugs.
| Omeprazole | Ranitidine | ||
|
20 mg (n=34) |
40 mg (n=36) |
150 mg b.i.d. (n=35) |
|
|
Week 2 | *83 | *83 | 53 |
|
Week 4 | *97 | *100 | 82 |
|
Week 8 | 100 | 100 | 94 |
*(p ≤ 0.01)
H. pylori Eradication in Patients with Duodenal Ulcer Disease
Triple Therapy(omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin)— Three U.S., randomized, double-blind clinical studies in patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (n = 558) compared omeprazole plus clarithromycin plus amoxicillin to clarithromycin plus amoxicillin. Two studies (126 and 127) were conducted in patients with an active duodenal ulcer, and the other study (M96-446) was conducted in patients with a history of a duodenal ulcer in the past 5 years but without an ulcer present at the time of enrollment. The dose regimen in the studies was omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. for 10 days; or clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. for 10 days. In studies 126 and 127, patients who took the omeprazole regimen also received an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg q.d. Endpoints studied were eradication of H. pylori and duodenal ulcer healing (studies 126 and 127 only). H. pylori status was determined by CLOtest®, histology and culture in all three studies. For a given patient, H. pylori was considered eradicated if at least two of these tests were negative, and none was positive.
The combination of omeprazole plus clarithromycin plus amoxicillin was effective in eradicating H. pylori.
| Omeprazole +clarithromycin +amoxicillin | Clarithromycin +amoxicillin | |||
| Per-Protocol † | Intent-to-Treat ‡ | Per-Protocol † | Intent-to-Treat ‡ | |
| Study 126 |
*77 [64, 86] (n = 64) |
*69 [57, 79] (n = 80) |
43 [31, 56] (n = 67) |
37 [27, 48] (n = 84) |
| Study 127 |
*78 [67, 88] (n = 65) |
*73 [61, 82] (n = 77) |
41 [29, 54] (n = 68) |
36 [26, 47] (n = 83) |
| Study M96-446 |
*90 [80, 96] (n = 69) |
*83 [74, 91] (n = 84) |
33 [24, 44] (n = 93) |
32 [23, 42] (n = 99) |
† Patients were included in the analysis if they had confirmed duodenal ulcer disease (active ulcer, studies 126 and 127; history of ulcer within 5 years, study M96-446) and H. pylori infection at baseline defined as at least two of three positive endoscopic tests from CLOtest® , histology, and/or culture. Patients were included in the analysis if they completed the study. Additionally, if patients dropped out of the study due to an adverse event related to the study drug, they were included in the analysis as failures of therapy. The impact of eradication on ulcer recurrence has not been assessed in patients with a past history of ulcer.
‡ Patients were included in the analysis if they had documented H. pylori infection at baseline and had confirmed duodenal ulcer disease. All dropouts were included as failures of therapy.
* (p < 0.05) versus clarithromycin plus amoxicillin.
Dual Therapy (omeprazole/clarithromycin)— Four randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies (M93-067, M93-100, M92-812b, and M93-058) evaluated omeprazole 40 mg q.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg t.i.d. for 14 days, followed by omeprazole 20 mg q.d. (M93-067, M93-100, M93-058) or by omeprazole 40 mg q.d. (M92-812b) for an additional 14 days in patients with active duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori. Studies M93-067 and M93-100 were conducted in the U.S. and Canada and enrolled 242 and 256 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer were confirmed in 219 patients in Study M93-067 and 228 patients in Study M93-100. These studies compared the combination regimen to omeprazole and clarithromycin monotherapies. Studies M92-812b and M93-058 were conducted in Europe and enrolled 154 and 215 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer were confirmed in 148 patients in study M92-812b and 208 patients in Study M93-058. These studies compared the combination regimen to omeprazole monotherapy. The results for the efficacy analyses for these studies are described below. H. pylori eradication was defined as no positive test (culture or histology) at 4 weeks following the end of treatment, and two negative tests were required to be considered eradicated of H. pylori. In the per-protocol analysis, the following patients were excluded: dropouts, patients with missing H. pylori tests post-treatment, and patients that were not assessed for H. pylori eradication because they were found to have an ulcer at the end of treatment.
The combination of omeprazole and clarithromycin was effective in eradicating H. pylori.
| Omeprazole+Clarithromycin | Omeprazole | Clarithromycin | |
|
U.S. Studies | |||
| Study M93-067 |
74 [60, 85] †‡ (n = 53) |
0 [0, 7] (n = 54) |
31 [18, 47] (n = 42) |
| Study M93-100 |
64 [51, 76] †‡ (n = 61) |
0 [0, 6] (n = 59) |
39 [24, 55] (n = 44) |
| Non U.S. Studies | |||
| Study M92-812b |
83 [71, 92] ‡ (n = 60) |
1 [0, 7] (n = 74) | N/A |
| Study M93-058 |
74 [64, 83] ‡ (n = 86) |
1 [0, 6] (n = 90) | N/A |
† Statistically significantly higher than clarithromycin monotherapy (p < 0.05)
‡ Statistically significantly higher than omeprazole monotherapy (p < 0.05)
Ulcer healing was not significantly different when clarithromycin was added to omeprazole therapy compared to omeprazole therapy alone.
The combination of omeprazole and clarithromycin was effective in eradicating H. pylori and reduced duodenal ulcer recurrence.
| H. pylori eradicated# | H. pylori not eradicated# | |
|
U.S. Studies † 6 months post-treatment | ||
| Study M93-067 | *35 | 60 |
|
(n = 49) | (n = 88) | |
| Study M93-100 | *8 | 60 |
|
(n = 53) | (n = 106) | |
|
Non U.S. Studies ‡ 6 months post-treatment | ||
| Study M92-812b | *5 | 46 |
| (n = 43) |
(n = 78) |
|
| Study M93-058 | *6 | 43 |
|
(n = 53) | (n = 107) | |
|
12 months post-treatment | ||
| Study M92-812b | *5 | 68 |
| (n = 39) | (n = 71) |
# H. pylori eradication status assessed at same timepoint as ulcer recurrence
† Combined results for omeprazole + clarithromycin, omeprazole, and clarithromycin treatment arms
‡ Combined results for omeprazole + clarithromycin and omeprazole treatment arms
* (p ≤ 0.01) versus proportion with duodenal ulcer recurrence who were not H. pylori eradicated
Gastric Ulcer
In a U.S. multicenter, double-blind, study of omeprazole 40 mg once a day, 20 mg once a day, and placebo in 520 patients with endoscopically diagnosed gastric ulcer, the following results were obtained.
|
Omeprazole 20 mg q.d (n=202) |
Omeprazole 40 mg q.d (n=214) |
Placebo (n=104) |
|
| Week 4 | 47.5** | 55.6** |
30.8 |
| Week 8 | 74.8** | 82.7**,+ |
48.1 |
**(p<0.01) Omeprazole 40 mg or 20 mg versus placebo
+ (p<0.05) Omeprazole 40 mg versus 20 mg
For the stratified groups of patients with ulcer size less than or equal to 1 cm, no difference in healing rates between 40 mg and 20 mg was detected at either 4 or 8 weeks. For patients with ulcer size greater than 1 cm, 40 mg was significantly more effective than 20 mg at 8 weeks.
In a foreign, multinational, double-blind study of 602 patients with endoscopically diagnosed gastric ulcer, omeprazole 40 mg once a day, 20 mg once a day, and ranitidine 150 mg twice a day were evaluated.
| Omeprazole 20 mg q.d. | Omeprazole 40 mg q.d. | Ranitidine 150 mg b.i.d. | |
| (n=200) | (n=187) | (n=199) | |
| Week 4 | 63.5 | 78.1**,++ | 56.3 |
| Week 8 | 81.5 | 91.4**,++ | 78.4 |
**(p<0.01) Omeprazole 40 mg versus ranitidine
++ (p<0.01) Omeprazole 40 mg versus 20 mg
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptomatic GERD
A placebo controlled study was conducted in Scandinavia to compare the efficacy of omeprazole 20 mg or 10 mg once daily for up to 4 weeks in the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms in GERD patients without erosive esophagitis. Results are shown below.
| Omeprazole | Omeprazole | Placebo | |
| 20 mg a.m. | 10 mg a.m. | a.m. | |
| All patients | 46*,t | 31t | 13 |
| (n=205) | (n=199) | (n=105) | |
| Patients with confirmed GERD | 56*,t | 36t | 14 |
| (n=115) | (n=109) | (n=59) |
a Defined as complete resolution of heartburn
* (p < 0.005) versus 10 mg
t (p < 0.005) versus placebo
Erosive Esophagitis
In a U.S. multicenter double-blind placebo controlled study of 20 mg or 40 mg of omeprazole delayed-release capsules in patients with symptoms of GERD and endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis of grade 2 or above, the percentage healing rates (per protocol) were as follows:
| 20 mg Omeprazole | 40 mg Omeprazole | Placebo | |
| Week | (n=83) | (n=87) | (N=43) |
| 4 | 39** | 45** | 7 |
| 8 | 74** | 75** | 14 |
**(p< 0.01) Omeprazole versus placebo.
In this study, the 40 mg dose was not superior to the 20 mg dose of omeprazole in the percentage healing rate. Other controlled clinical trials have also shown that omeprazole is effective in severe GERD. In comparisons with histamine H2-receptor antagonists in patients with erosive esophagitis, grade 2 or above, omeprazole in a dose of 20 mg was significantly more effective than the active controls. Complete daytime and nighttime heartburn relief occurred significantly faster (p < 0.01) in patients treated with omeprazole than in those taking placebo or histamine H2- receptor antagonists.
In this and five other controlled GERD studies, significantly more patients taking 20 mg omeprazole (84%) reported complete relief of GERD symptoms than patients receiving placebo (12%).
Long Term Maintenance Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis
In a U.S. double-blind, randomized, multicenter, placebo controlled study, two dose regimens of omeprazole were studied in patients with endoscopically confirmed healed esophagitis. Results to determine maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis are shown below.
| Omeprazole | Omeprazole | ||
| 20 mg q.d. | 20 mg 3 days per week | Placebo | |
| (n=138) | (n=137) | (n=131) | |
|
Percent in endoscopic remission at 6 months | *70 | 34 | 11 |
*(p < 0.01) Omeprazole 20 mg q.d. versus Omeprazole 20 mg 3 consecutive days per week or placebo.
In an international multicenter double-blind study, omeprazole 20 mg daily and 10 mg daily were compared to ranitidine 150 mg twice daily in patients with endoscopically confirmed healed esophagitis. The table below provides the results of this study for maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.
| Omeprazole | Omeprazole | Ranitidine | |
| 20 mg q.d. | 10 mg q.d | 150 mg b.i.d | |
| (n=131) | (n=133) | (n=128) | |
|
Percent in endoscopic remission at 12 months | 77* | 58++ | 46 |
*(p=0.01) Omeprazole 20 mg q.d. versus Omeprazole 10 mg q.d. or Ranitidine.
++(p=0.03) Omeprazole 10 mg q.d. versus Ranitidine.
In patients who initially had grades 3 or 4 erosive esophagitis, for maintenance after healing 20 mg daily of omeprazole was effective, while 10 mg did not demonstrate effectiveness.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
In open studies of 136 patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison (ZE) syndrome with or without multiple endocrine adenomas, omeprazole delayed-release capsules significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion and controlled associated symptoms of diarrhea, anorexia, and pain. Doses ranging from 20 mg every other day to 360 mg per day maintained basal acid secretion below 10 mEq/hr in patients without prior gastric surgery, and below 5 mEq/hr in patients with prior gastric surgery.
Initial doses were titrated to the individual patient need, and adjustments were necessary with time in some patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Omeprazole was well tolerated at these high dose levels for prolonged periods (> 5 years in some patients). In most ZE patients, serum gastrin levels were not modified by omeprazole. However, in some patients serum gastrin increased to levels greater than those present prior to initiation of omeprazole therapy. At least 11 patients with ZE syndrome on long-term treatment with omeprazole developed gastric carcinoids. These findings are believed to be a manifestation of the underlying condition, which is known to be associated with such tumors, rather than the result of the administration of omeprazole. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.)
Microbiology
Omeprazole and clarithromycin dual therapy and omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin triple therapy have been shown to be active against most strains of Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.
Helicobacter
Helicobacter pylori
Pretreatment Resistance
Clarithromycin pretreatment resistance rates were 3.5% (4/113) in the omeprazole/clarithromycin dual therapy studies (M93-067, M93-100) and 9.3% (41/439) in omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy studies (126, 127, M96-446).
Amoxicillin pretreatment susceptible isolates (≤ 0.25 mcg/mL) were found in 99.3% (436/439) of the patients in the omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy studies (126, 127, M96-446). Amoxicillin pretreatment minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) > 0.25 mcg/mL occurred in 0.7% (3/439) of the patients, all of whom were in the clarithromycin and amoxicillin study arm. One patient had an unconfirmed pretreatment amoxicillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of > 256 mcg/mL by Etest®.
| Clarithromycin Susceptibility Test Results and Clinical/Bacteriological Outcomesa | |||||
|
Clarithromycin Pretreatment Results | Clarithromycin Post-treatment Results | ||||
| H. pylori negative- eradicated |
H. pylori positive-not eradicated post-treatment susceptibility results |
||||
| S b | I b | Rb | No MIC | ||
|
Dual Therapy - (omeprazole 40 mg q.d./clarithromycin 500 mg t.i.d. for 14 days followed by omeprazole 20 mg q.d. for another 14 days) (Studies M93-067, M93-100) |
|||||
| Susceptible b 108 | 72 | 1 | 26 | 9 | |
| Intermediate b 1 | 1 | ||||
| Resistant b 4 | 4 | ||||
| Triple Therapy - (omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d./clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d./amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. for 10 days - Studies 126, 127, M96-446; followed by omeprazole 20 mg q.d. for another 18 days - Studies 126, 127) | |||||
| Susceptible b 171 | 153 | 7 | 3 | 8 | |
| Intermediate b | |||||
| Resistant b 14 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 3 | |
a Includes only patients with pretreatment clarithromycin susceptibility test results
b Susceptible (S) MIC ≤ 0.25 mcg/mL, Intermediate (I) MIC 0.5-1.0 mcg/mL, Resistant (R) MIC ≥ 2 mcg/mL
Patients not eradicated of H. pylori following omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy or omeprazole/clarithromycin dual therapy will likely have clarithromycin resistant H. pylori isolates. Therefore, clarithromycin susceptibility testing should be done, if possible. Patients with clarithromycin resistant H. pylori should not be treated with any of the following: omeprazole/clarithromycin dual therapy, omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin triple therapy, or other regimens which include clarithromycin as the sole antimicrobial agent.
Amoxicillin Susceptibility Test Results and Clinical/Bacteriological Outcomes
In the triple therapy clinical trials, 84.9% (157/185) of the patients in the omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin treatment group who had pretreatment amoxicillin susceptible MICs ≤ 0.25 mcg/mL) were eradicated of H. pylori and 15.1% (28/185) failed therapy. Of the 28 patients who failed triple therapy, 11 had no post-treatment susceptibility test results and 17 had post-treatment H. pylori isolates with amoxicillin susceptible MICs. Eleven of the patients who failed triple therapy also had post-treatment H. pylori isolates with clarithromycin resistant MICs.
Susceptibility Test for Helicobacter pylori
The reference methodology for susceptibility testing of H. pylori is agar dilution MICs1. One to three microliters of an inoculum equivalent to a No. 2 McFarland standard (1 x 107 - 1 x 108 CFU/mL for H. pylori) are inoculated directly onto freshly prepared antimicrobial containing Mueller-Hinton agar plates with 5% aged defibrinated sheep blood (≥ 2 weeks old). The agar dilution plates are incubated at 35°C in a microaerobic environment produced by a gas generating system suitable for campylobacters. After 3 days of incubation, the MICs are recorded as the lowest concentration of antimicrobial agent required to inhibit growth of the organism. The clarithromycin and amoxicillin MIC values should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
| Clarithromycin MIC (mcg/mL)a | Interpretation |
| ≤ 0.25 | Susceptible(S) |
| 0.5 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≥ 1.0 | Resistant (R) |
| Amoxicillin MIC (mcg/mL)a , b | Interpretation |
| ≤ 0.25 | Susceptible (S) |
a These are tentative breakpoints for the agar dilution methodology and they should not be used to interpret results obtained using alternative methods.
b There were not enough organisms with MICs > 0.25 mcg/mL to determine a resistance breakpoint.
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standard clarithromycin and amoxicillin powders should provide the following MIC values:
| Microorganism | Antimicrobial Agent |
MIC (mcg /mL) a |
| H. pylori ATCC 43504 | Clarithromycin | 0.016- 0.12 (mcg /mL) |
| H. pylori ATCC 43504 | Amoxicillin | 0.016- 0.12 (mcg/ mL) |
a These are quality control ranges for the agar dilution methodology and they should not be used to control test results obtained using alternative methods.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Duodenal Ulcer
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer. Most patients heal within four weeks. Some patients may require an additional four weeks of therapy.
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules, in combination with clarithromycin and amoxicillin, are indicated for treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or up to 1-year history) to eradicate H. pylori.
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules, in combination with clarithromycin, are indicated for treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease to eradicate H. pylori.
Eradication of H. pylori has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Among patients who fail therapy, omeprazole with clarithromycin is more likely to be associated with the development of clarithromycin resistance as compared with triple therapy. In patients who fail therapy, susceptibility testing should be done. If resistance to clarithromycin is demonstrated or susceptibility testing is not possible, alternative antimicrobial therapy should be instituted. (See Microbiology section, and the clarithromycin package insert, MICROBIOLOGY section.)
Gastric Ulcer
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment (4-8 weeks) of active benign gastric ulcer. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies, Gastric Ulcer.)
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptomatic GERD
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD.
Erosive Esophagitis
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the short-term treatment (4-8 weeks) of erosive esophagitis which has been diagnosed by endoscopy.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies.)
The efficacy of omeprazole used for longer than 8 weeks in these patients has not been established. In the rare instance of a patient not responding to 8 weeks of treatment, it may be helpful to give up to an additional 4 weeks of treatment. If there is recurrence of erosive esophagitis or GERD symptoms (eg, heartburn), additional 4-8 week courses of omeprazole may be considered.
Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis. Controlled studies do not extend beyond 12 months.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomas and systemic mastocytosis).
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Omeprazole
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any macrolide antibiotic.
Concomitant administration of clarithromycin with cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine is contraindicated. There have been post-marketing reports of drug interactions when clarithromycin and/or erythromycin are co-administered with cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine resulting in cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes) most likely due to inhibition of hepatic metabolism of these drugs by erythromycin and clarithromycin. Fatalities have been reported. (Please refer to full prescribing information for clarithromycin before prescribing.)
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reaction to any of the penicillins. (Please refer to full prescribing information for amoxicillin before prescribing.)
WARNINGS
Clarithromycin
CLARITHROMYCIN SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PREGNANT WOMEN EXCEPT IN CLINICAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE NO ALTERNATIVE THERAPY IS APPROPRIATE. IF PREGNANCY OCCURS WHILE TAKING CLARITHROMYCIN, THE PATIENT SHOULD BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE FETUS. (See WARNINGS in prescribing information for clarithromycin.)
Amoxicillin
SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (anaphylactic) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY. THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY AND/OR A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS. BEFORE INITIATING THERAPY WITH AMOXICILLIN, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS OR OTHER ALLERGENS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION OCCURS, AMOXICILLIN SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED AND APPROPRIATE THERAPY INSTITUTED. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE. OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS ANDAIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION, SHOULD ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED. (See WARNINGS in prescribing information for amoxicillin.)
Antimicrobials
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. (See WARNINGS in prescribing information for clarithromycin and amoxicillin).
Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis.”
After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to discontinuation of the drug alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against Clostridium difficile colitis.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Symptomatic response to therapy with omeprazole does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy.
Atrophic gastritis has been noted occasionally in gastric corpus biopsies from patients treated long-term with omeprazole.
Information for patients
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules should be taken before eating. Patients should be cautioned that the omeprazole delayed-release capsule should not be opened, chewed or crushed, and should be swallowed whole.
For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the contents of an omeprazole delayed-release capsule can be added to applesauce. One tablespoon of applesauce should be added to an empty bowl and the capsule should be opened. All of the pellets inside the capsule should be carefully emptied on the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately with a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellets/applesauce mixture should not be stored for future use.
Interactions
Drug interactions
Other
Omeprazole can prolong the elimination of diazepam, warfarin and phenytoin, drugs that are metabolized by oxidation in the liver. There have been reports of increased INR and prothrombin time in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, and warfarin concomitantly. Increases in INR and prothrombin time may lead to abnormal bleeding and even death. Patients treated with proton pump inhibitors and warfarin may need to be monitored for increases in INR and prothrombin time. Although in normal subjects no interaction with theophylline or propranolol was found, there have been clinical reports of interaction with other drugs metabolized via the cytochrome P450 system (eg, cyclosporine, disulfiram, benzodiazepines). Patients should be monitored to determine if it is necessary to adjust the dosage of these drugs when taken concomitantly with omeprazole.
Because of its profound and long lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion, it is theoretically possible that omeprazole may interfere with absorption of drugs where gastric pH is an important determinant of their bioavailability (eg, ketoconazole, ampicillin esters, and iron salts). In the clinical trials, antacids were used concomitantly with the administration of omeprazole.
Concomitant administration of omeprazole has been reported to reduce the plasma levels of atazanavir, thus appropriate clinical monitoring is recommended.
Concomitant administration of omeprazole and tacrolimus may increase the serum levels of tacrolimus.
Concomitant administration of omeprazole and voriconazole (a combined inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) resulted in more than doubling of the omeprazole exposure. Dose adjustment of omeprazole is not normally required. However, in patients with Zollinger-Ellison’s syndrome, who may require higher doses up to 240 mg/day, dose adjustment may be considered. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism: Omeprazole).
Combination Therapy with Clarithromycin
Co-administration of omeprazole and clarithromycin have resulted in increases in plasma levels of omeprazole, clarithromycin, and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin. (See also CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics: Combination Therapy with Antimicrobials)
Concomitant administration of clarithromycin with cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine is contraindicated.
There have been reports of an interaction between erythromycin and astemizole resulting in QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Concomitant administration of erythromycin and astemizole is contraindicated. Because clarithromycin is also metabolized by cytochrome P450, concomitant administration of clarithromycin with astemizole is not recommended. (See also CONTRAINDICATIONS, Clarithromycin, above. Please refer to full prescribing information for clarithromycin before prescribing.)
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
In two 24-month carcinogenicity studies in rats, omeprazole at daily doses of 1.7, 3.4, 13.8, 44.0 and 140.8 mg/kg/day (about 0.7 to 57 times a human dose of 20 mg/day, as expressed on a body surface area basis) produced gastric ECL cell carcinoids in a dose-related manner in both male and female rats; the incidence of this effect was markedly higher in female rats, which had higher blood levels of omeprazole. Gastric carcinoids seldom occur in the untreated rat. In addition, ECL cell hyperplasia was present in all treated groups of both sexes. In one of these studies, female rats were treated with 13.8 mg omeprazole/kg/day (about 6 times a human dose of 20 mg/day, based on body surface area) for one year, then followed for an additional year without the drug. No carcinoids were seen in these rats. An increased incidence of treatment-related ECL cell hyperplasia was observed at the end of one year (94% treated vs 10% controls). By the second year the difference between treated and control rats was much smaller (46% vs 26%) but still showed more hyperplasia in the treated group. Gastric adenocarcinoma was seen in one rat (2%). No similar tumor was seen in male or female rats treated for two years. For this strain of rat no similar tumor has been noted historically, but a finding involving only one tumor is difficult to interpret. In a 52-week toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, brain astrocytomas were found in a small number of males that received omeprazole at dose levels of 0.4, 2, and 16 mg/kg/day (about 0.2 to 6.5 times the human dose on a body surface area basis). No astrocytomas were observed in female rats in this study. In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, no astrocytomas were found in males or females at the high dose of 140.8 mg/kg/day (about 57 times the human dose on a body surface area basis). A 78-week mouse carcinogenicity study of omeprazole did not show increased tumor occurrence, but the study was not conclusive. A 26-week p53 (+/-) transgenic mouse carcinogenicity study was not positive.
Omeprazole was positive for clastogenic effects in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration assay, in one of two in vivo mouse micronucleus tests, and in an in vivo bone marrow cell chromosomal aberration assay. Omeprazole was negative in the in vitro Ames test, an in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and an in vivo rat liver DNA damage assay.
Omeprazole at oral doses up to 138 mg/kg/day in rats (about 56 times the human dose on a body surface area basis) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance.
Pregnancy
Omeprazole
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of omeprazole in pregnant women. The vast majority of reported experience with omeprazole during human pregnancy is first trimester exposure and the duration of use is rarely specified, e.g., intermittent vs. chronic. An expert review of published data on experiences with omeprazole use during pregnancy by TERIS – the Teratogen Information System – concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial teratogenic risk (the quantity and quality of data were assessed as fair).2
Three epidemiological studies compared the frequency of congenital abnormalities among infants born to women who used omeprazole during pregnancy to the frequency of abnormalities among infants of women exposed to H2-receptor antagonists or other controls. A population-based prospective cohort epidemiological study from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, covering approximately 99% of pregnancies, reported on 955 infants (824 exposed during the first trimester with 39 of these exposed beyond first trimester, and 131 exposed after the first trimester) whose mothers used omeprazole during pregnancy.3In utero exposure to omeprazole was not associated with increased risk of any malformation (odds ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.50-1.34), low birth weight or low Apgar score. The number of infants born with ventricular septal defects and the number of stillborn infants was slightly higher in the omeprazole exposed infants than the expected number in the normal population. The author concluded that both effects may be random.
A retrospective cohort study reported on 689 pregnant women exposed to either H2-blockers or omeprazole in the first trimester (134 exposed to omeprazole).4 The overall malformation rate was 4.4% (95% CI 3.6-5.3) and the malformation rate for first trimester exposure to omeprazole was 3.6% (95% CI 1.5-8.1). The relative risk of malformations associated with first trimester exposure to omeprazole compared with nonexposed women was 0.9 (95% CI 0.3-2.2). The study could effectively rule out a relative risk greater than 2.5 for all malformations. Rates of preterm delivery or growth retardation did not differ between the groups.
A controlled prospective observational study followed 113 women exposed to omeprazole during pregnancy (89% first trimester exposures).5 The reported rates of major congenital malformations was 4% for the omeprazole group, 2% for controls exposed to nonteratogens, and 2.8% in disease-paired controls (background incidence of major malformations 1-5%). Rates of spontaneous and elective abortions, preterm deliveries gestational age at delivery, and mean birth weight did not differ between the groups. The sample size in this study has 80% power to detect a 5-fold increase in the rate of major malformation.
Several studies have reported no apparent adverse short term effects on the infant when single dose oral or intravenous omeprazole was administered to over 200 pregnant women as premedication for cesarean section under general anesthesia.
Teratlology studies conducted in pregnant rats at doses up to 138 mg/kg /day (about 56 times the human dose on a body surface area basis) and in pregnant rabbits at doses up to 69.1 mg/kg/day (about 56 times the human dose in a body surface area basis) did not disclose any evidence for a teratogenic potential of omeprazole.
In rabbits, omeprazole in a dose range of 6.9 to 69.1 mg/kg/day (about 5.6 to 56 times the human dose on a body surface area basis) produced dose-related increases in embryo-lethality, fetal resorptions and pregnancy disruptions. In rats, dose-related embryo/fetal toxicity and postnatal developmental toxicity were observed in offspring resulting from parents treated with omeprazole at 13.8 to 138.0 mg/kg/day (about 5.6 to 56 times the human dose on a body surface area basis). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Because animal studies and studies in humans cannot rule out the possibility of harm, omeprazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the pregnant woman justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clarithromycin
Pregnancy Category C. See WARNINGS (above) and full prescribing information for clarithromycin before using in pregnant women.
Nursing mothers
Omeprazole concentrations have been measured in breast milk of a woman following oral administration of 20 mg. The peak concentration of omeprazole in breast milk was less than 7% of the peak serum concentration. This concentration would correspond to 0.004 mg of omeprazole in 200 mL of milk. Because omeprazole is excreted in human milk, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from omeprazole, and because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for omeprazole in rat carcinogenicity studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric use
The safety and effectiveness of Omeprazole have been established in the age group 2 years to 16 years for the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal diseases, including the treatment of symptomatic GERD, treatment of erosive esophagitis, and the maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis. The safety and effectiveness of Omeprazole have not been established for pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. Use of Omeprazole in the age group 2 years to 16 years is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Omeprazole in adults with additional clinical, pharmacokinetic, and safety studies performed in pediatric patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism: Omeprazole).
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptomatic GERD
In an uncontrolled, open-label study of patients aged 2 years to 16 years with a history of symptoms suggestive of nonerosive GERD, 113 patients were assigned to receive a single daily dose of omeprazole (10 mg or 20 mg, based on body weight) either as an intact capsule or as an open capsule in applesauce. Results showed success rates of 60% (10 mg omeprazole) and 59% (20 mg omeprazole) in reducing the number and intensity of either pain-related symptoms or vomiting/regurgitation episodes.
Erosive Esophagitis
In an uncontrolled, open-label dose-titration study, healing of erosive esophagitis in pediatric patients aged 1 to 16 years required doses that ranged from 0.7 to 3.5 mg/kg/day (80 mg/day). Doses were initiated at 0.7 mg/kg/day. Doses were increased in increments of 0.7 mg/kg/day (if intraesophageal pH showed a pH of < 4 for less than 6% of a 24-hour study). After titration, patients remained on treatment for 3 months. Forty-four percent of the patients were healed on a dose of 0.7 mg/kg body weight; most of the remaining patients were healed with 1.4 mg/kg after an additional 3 months' treatment. Erosive esophagitis was healed in 51 of 57 (90%) children who completed the first course of treatment in the healing phase of the study. In addition, after 3 months of treatment, 33% of the children had no overall symptoms, 57% had mild reflux symptoms, and 40% had less frequent regurgitation/vomiting.
Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis
In an uncontrolled, open-label study of maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis in 46 pediatric patients, 54% of patients required half the healing dose. The remaining patients increased the healing dose (0.7 to a maximum of 2.8 mg/kg/day) either for the entire maintenance period, or returned to half the dose before completion. Of the 46 patients who entered the maintenance phase, 19 (41%) had no relapse. In addition, maintenance therapy in erosive esophagitis patients resulted in 63% of patients having no overall symptoms.
Safety
The safety of Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules has been assessed in 310 pediatric patients aged 0 to 16 years and 62 physiologically normal volunteers aged 2 years to 16 years. Of the 310 pediatric patients with acid-related disease, a group of 46 who had documented healing of erosive esophagitis after 3 months of treatment continued on maintenance therapy for up to 749 days.
Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules administered to pediatric patients was generally well tolerated with an adverse event profile resembling that in adults. Unique to the pediatric population, however, adverse events of the respiratory system were most frequently reported in both the 0 to 2 year and 2 to 16 year age groups (46.2% and 18.5%, respectively). Similarly, otitis media was frequently reported in the 0 to 2 year age group (22.6%), and accidental injuries were reported frequently in the 2 to 16 year age group (3.8%).
Geriatric use
Omeprazole was administered to over 2000 elderly individuals (≥ 65 years of age) in clinical trials in the US and Europe. There were no differences in safety and effectiveness between the elderly and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in response between the elderly and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Pharmacokinetic studies have shown the elimination rate was somewhat decreased in the elderly and bioavailability was increased. The plasma clearance of omeprazole was 250 mL/min (about half that of young volunteers) and its plasma half-life averaged one hour, about twice that of young healthy volunteers. However, no dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules were generally well tolerated during domestic and international clinical trials in 3096 patients.
In the U.S. clinical trial population of 465 patients (including duodenal ulcer, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and resistant ulcer patients), the following adverse experiences were reported to occur in 1% or more of patients on therapy with omeprazole. Numbers in parentheses indicate percentages of the adverse experiences considered by investigators as possibly, probably or definitely related to the drug:
| Omeprazole | Placebo | Ranitidine | |
| (n=465) | (n=64) | (n=195) | |
| Headache | 6.9 (2.4) | 6.3 | 7.7 (2.6) |
| Diarrhea | 3.0 (1.9) | 3.1 (1.6) | 2.1 (0.5) |
| Abdominal Pain | 2.4 (0.4) | 3.1 | 2.1 |
| Nausea | 2.2 (0.9) | 3.1 | 4.1 (0.5) |
| URI | 1.9 | 1.6 | 2.6 |
| Dizziness | 1.5 (0.6) | 0.0 | 2.6 (1.0) |
| Vomiting | 1.5 (0.4) | 4.7 | 1.5 (0.5) |
| Rash | 1.5 (1.1) | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Constipation | 1.1 (0.9) | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Cough | 1.1 | 0.0 | 1.5 |
| Asthenia | 1.1 (0.2) | 1.6 (1.6) | 1.5 (1.0) |
| Back Pain | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.5 |
The following adverse reactions which occurred in 1% or more of omeprazole-treated patients have been reported in international double-blind, and open-label, clinical trials in which 2,631 patients and subjects received omeprazole.
| Omeprazole | Placebo | |
| (n=2631) | (n=120) | |
|
Body as a Whole, site unspecified | ||
| Abdominal pain | 5.2 | 3.3 |
| Asthenia | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Digestive System | ||
| Constipation | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Diarrhea | 3.7 | 2.5 |
| Flatulence | 2.7 | 5.8 |
| Nausea | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Vomiting | 3.2 | 10.0 |
| Acid regurgitation | 1.9 | 3.3 |
| Nervous System/Psychiatric | ||
| Headache | 2.9 | 2.5 |
Additional adverse experiences occurring in < 1% of patients or subjects in domestic and/or international trials, or occurring since the drug was marketed, are shown below within each body system. In many instances, the relationship to omeprazole was unclear.
Body As a Whole: Allergic reactions, including, rarely, anaphylaxis (see also Skin below), fever, pain, fatigue, malaise, abdominal swelling.
Cardiovascular: Chest pain or angina, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, elevated blood pressure, peripheral edema.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis (some fatal), anorexia, irritable colon, flatulence, fecal discoloration, esophageal candidiasis, mucosal atrophy of the tongue, dry mouth, stomatitis. During treatment with omeprazole, gastric fundic gland polyps have been noted rarely. These polyps are benign and appear to be reversible when treatment is discontinued.
Gastro-duodenal carcinoids have been reported in patients with ZE syndrome on long-term treatment with omeprazole. This finding is believed to be a manifestation of the underlying condition, which is known to be associated with such tumors.
Hepatic: Mild and, rarely, marked elevations of liver function tests [ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (jaundice)]. In rare instances, overt liver disease has occurred, including hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed hepatitis, liver necrosis (some fatal), hepatic failure (some fatal), and hepatic encephalopathy.
Metabolic/Nutritional: Hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, weight gain.
Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps, myalgia, muscle weakness, joint pain, leg pain.
Nervous System/Psychiatric: Psychic disturbances including depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, confusion, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, apathy, somnolence, anxiety, dream abnormalities; vertigo; paresthesia; hemifacial dysesthesia.
Respiratory: Epistaxis, pharyngeal pain.
Skin: Rash and, rarely, cases of severe generalized skin reactions including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN; some fatal), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme (some severe); purpura and/or petechiae (some with rechallenge); skin inflammation, urticaria, angioedema, pruritus, photosensitivity, alopecia, dry skin, hyperhidrosis.
Special Senses: Tinnitus, taste perversion.
Ocular: blurred vision, ocular irritation, dry eye syndrome, optic atrophy, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, double vision.
Urogenital: Interstitial nephritis (some with positive rechallenge), urinary tract infection, microscopic pyuria, urinary frequency, elevated serum creatinine, proteinuria, hematuria, glycosuria, testicular pain, gynecomastia.
Hematologic: Rare instances of pancytopenia, agranulocytosis (some fatal), thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, leucocytosis, and hemolytic anemia have been reported.
The incidence of clinical adverse experiences in patients greater than 65 years of age was similar to that in patients 65 years of age or less.
Combination Therapy for H. pylori Eradication
In clinical trials using either dual therapy with omeprazole and clarithromycin, or triple therapy with omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin, no adverse experiences peculiar to these drug combinations have been observed. Adverse experiences that have occurred have been limited to those that have been previously reported with omeprazole, clarithromycin, or amoxicillin.
Triple Therapy (omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin) — The most frequent adverse experiences observed in clinical trials using combination therapy with omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (n = 274) were diarrhea (14%), taste perversion (10%), and headache (7%). None of these occurred at a higher frequency than that reported by patients taking the antimicrobial drugs alone.
For more information on clarithromycin or amoxicillin, refer to the respective package inserts, ADVERSE REACTIONS sections.
Dual Therapy (omeprazole/clarithromycin) — Adverse experiences observed in controlled clinical trials using combination therapy with omeprazole and clarithromycin (n = 346) which differed from those previously described for omeprazole alone were: Taste perversion (15%), tongue discoloration (2%), rhinitis (2%), pharyngitis (1%) and flu syndrome (1%).
For more information on clarithromycin, refer to the clarithromycin package insert, ADVERSE REACTIONS section.
Overdosage
Reports have been received of overdosage with omeprazole in humans. Doses ranged up to 2400 mg (120 times the usual recommended clinical dose). Manifestations were variable, but included confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, flushing, headache, dry mouth, and other adverse reactions similar to those seen in normal clinical experience. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Symptoms were transient, and no serious clinical outcome has been reported when omeprazole was taken alone. No specific antidote for omeprazole overdosage is known. Omeprazole is extensively protein bound and is, therefore, not readily dialyzable. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
As with the management of any overdose, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered. For current information on treatment of any drug overdose, a certified Regional Poison Control Center should be contacted. Telephone numbers are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) or local telephone book.
Single oral doses of omeprazole at 1350, 1339, and 1200 mg/kg were lethal to mice, rats, and dogs, respectively. Animals given these doses showed sedation, ptosis, tremors, convulsions, and decreased activity, body temperature, and respiratory rate and increased depth of respiration.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Short-Term Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer
The recommended adult oral dose of omeprazole is 20 mg once daily. Most patients heal within four weeks. Some patients may require an additional four weeks of therapy.
(See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)
H. pylori Eradication for the Reduction of the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence
Triple Therapy (omeprazole/clarithromycin/amoxicillin) — The recommended adult oral regimen is omeprazole 20 mg plus clarithromycin 500 mg plus amoxicillin 1000 mg each given twice daily for 10 days. In patients with an ulcer present at the time of initiation of therapy, an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief.
Dual Therapy (omeprazole/clarithromycin) — The recommended adult oral regimen is omeprazole 40 mg once daily plus clarithromycin 500 mg t.i.d. for 14 days. In patients with an ulcer present at the time of initiation of therapy, an additional 14 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief.
Please refer to clarithromycin full prescribing information for CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS, and for information regarding dosing in elderly and renally impaired patients (PRECAUTIONS: General, PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric use and PRECAUTIONSDrug interactions).
Please refer to amoxicillin full prescribing information for CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS.
Gastric Ulcer
The recommended adult oral dose is 40 mg once a day for 4 -8 weeks. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies Gastric Ulcer, and INDICATIONS AND USAGE, Gastric
Ulcer.)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The recommended adult oral dose for the treatment of patients with symptomatic GERD and no esophageal lesions is 20 mg daily for up to 4 weeks. The recommended adult oral dose for the treatment of patients with erosive esophagitis and accompanying symptoms due to GERD is 20 mg daily for 4 to 8 weeks. (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)
Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis
The recommended adult oral dose is 20 mg daily. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies.)
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
The dosage of omeprazole in patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions varies with the individual patient. The recommended adult oral starting dose is 60 mg once a day. Doses should be adjusted to individual patient needs and should continue for as long as clinically indicated. Doses up to 120 mg t.i.d. have been administered. Daily dosages of greater than 80 mg should be administered in divided doses. Some patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have been treated continuously with omeprazole for more than 5 years.
Pediatric Patients
For the treatment of GERD or other acid-related disorders, the recommended dose for pediatric patients 2 years of age and older is as follows:
| Patient Weight | Omeprazole Dose |
| < 20kg | 10 MG |
| ≥ 20kg | 20 MG |
On a per kg basis, the doses of omeprazole required to heal erosive esophagitis are greater than those for adults.
For pediatric patients unable to swallow an intact capsule, see Alternative Administration Options subsection below.
Alternative Administration Options
For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the contents of an omeprazole delayed-release capsule can be added to applesauce. One tablespoon of applesauce should be added to an empty bowl and the capsule should be opened. All of the pellets inside the capsule should be carefully emptied on the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately with a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellets/applesauce mixture should not be stored for future use.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment or for the elderly.
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules should be taken before eating. In the clinical trials, antacids were used concomitantly with omeprazole.
Patients should be cautioned that the omeprazole delayed-release capsule should not be opened, chewed or crushed, and should be swallowed whole.
HOW SUPPLIED
Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules 10 mg, are light brown, opaque, hypromellose capsules, coded OME 10 on cap and body. They are supplied as follows:
NDC 0781-2232-31, bottle of 30 capsules (with desiccant).
NDC 0781-2232-01, bottle of 100 capsules (with desiccant).
Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg, are white, opaque, hypromellose capsules, coded OME 20 on cap and body. They are supplied as follows:
NDC 0781-2233-31, bottle of 30 capsules (with desiccant).
NDC 0781-2233-01, bottle of 100 capsules (with desiccant).
NDC 0781-2233-10, bottle of 1000 capsules (with desiccant)
Storage
Store Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules in a tight container protected from light and moisture. Store at 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
REFERENCES
1. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial
Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically—Fifth Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M7-A5, Vol, 20, No. 2, NCCLS, Wayne, PA, January 2000.
2. Friedman JM and Polifka JE. Teratogenic Effects of Drugs. A Resource for Clinicians (TERIS). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press: 200: 516.
3. Kallen BAJ. Use of omeprazole during pregnancy – no hazard demonstrated in 955 infants exposed during pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2001;96(1):63-8.
4. Ruidómez A, Rodriguez LUG, Cattaruzzi C, et al. Use of cimetidine, omeprazole, and ranitidine in pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Epidemiol 1999;150:476-81.
5. Lalkin A, Loebstein R, Addis A, et al. The safety of omeprazole during pregnancy: a multicenter prospective controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:727-30.
Manufactured in Slovenia by
Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d.
Distributed by
Sandoz Inc;
Princeton, NJ 08540
Rev. May 2007
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Revised: 06/2008Sandoz Inc