OMEPRAZOLE: EFFECTS ON OXIDATIVE DRUG METABOLISM IN THE RAT

Abstract

1. Omeprazole, a substituted benzimidazole and a potent gastric antisecretory drug has been tested for inhibition of microsomal drug oxidative function in the rat. 2. A single dose of 40 mg/kg prolonged pentobarbitone sleeping times from 118 (range 73–168) min to 195 (159–222) min (P < 0.01), pentobarbitone half‐lives from 89 (63–114) to 112 (54–146) min (P < 0.05) and aminopyrine breath 14CO2 half‐lives from 43 (37–51) to 56 (49–79) min (P < 0.05). Omeprazole in doses of 20 mg/kg or less had no significant effect. 3. In prolonging pentobarbitone sleeping times omeprazole 40 mg/kg and an equimolar (30 mg/kg) dose of cimetidine were approximately equipotent. 4. These results contrast with stu..