ULTOP and OMEZ: which is better and what is the difference (differences in composition, reviews from doctors)

Instructions

Choosing the right drug to treat gastritis and stomach ulcers can be difficult. For these diseases, drugs are used that are included in different pharmacological groups and have different effects on the functioning of the upper parts of the digestive system. The question often arises, which is better, Ultop or Omez. Evaluating the patient’s examination results and studying the characteristics of the drugs helps to choose a medicine.

What's inside: composition and form of release of drugs

Omeprazole and Ultop are generics of the Austrian drug Losek. The original product was released onto the market in 1989. Since then, Losek has introduced many generics - products that are similar in composition, but differ in production technology. The quality of analogues varies - some medications correspond to the original and have the same clinical effect, others are inferior to the patented drug.

Ultop and Omeprazole have much in common:

Comparison of drugs

Let's look at the main characteristics of the drugs - this will allow us to objectively assess which is better - Omez or Ultop.

Price

Both medications are representatives of the middle price category. Differences in cost are determined by the dosage of the drug and the number of units in the package.

Quality

Both patients and doctors respond positively to these products - both Omez and Ultop are produced in good quality.

Indications and contraindications for use

Due to the variety of dosage forms, gastroenterologists distinguish Omez - the list of indications for use and the possibility of its use for various conditions is wider than that of Ultop.

Clinical studies have proven the safety of Omez for the treatment of expectant mothers and children.

There are no such data on Ultop, despite the similar composition.

Note! Children and women during pregnancy and lactation are special categories of patients and prescription of medications to them is possible only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Release forms

The leader in this parameter is Omez - the line includes:

soluble powders that make it easier for children and patients with swallowing problems to take the drug;
injection;
capsules.

As for Ultop, it is available in capsules and injection solutions.

Availability in pharmacies

The most common dosage is 20 mg. Preparations with this amount of active substance can be freely purchased at any pharmacy.

But sometimes difficulties arise with the purchase of other dosage forms and dosages - this is noted by many patients.

Side effects and tolerability

Both medications are well tolerated. In both cases, mild side effects may occur.

With long-term use, serious disorders may develop - hormonal imbalance and osteoporosis.

How proton pump inhibitors suppress stomach acid production

All proton pump inhibitors work according to the same scheme:

Suppress the action of the enzyme H+-K+-ATPase in the parietal cells of the stomach.
They block the synthesis of hydrochloric acid at the final stage.
Reduce the level of basal secretion of gastric juice.
Reduces stomach acidity.
Prevents damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum and the appearance of ulcerative defects.

At the same time, the impact of the aggressive environment of the stomach on the esophagus is reduced. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors are used not only for peptic ulcers, but also in other situations where it is necessary to reduce the acidity of gastric juice - for example, with reflux esophagitis. With this pathology, hydrochloric acid enters the esophagus, causing heartburn and destroying the mucous membrane. If you reduce the production of gastric juice, the patient's condition will improve.

Omeprazole also affects Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium lives in the pylorus of the stomach and duodenum and causes ulcers on the mucous membrane. Helicobacteriosis is also associated with the development of stomach cancer. Omeprazole is not an antibiotic, but it has a nonspecific bactericidal effect. In the instructions for the drugs: PPIs in combination with antibiotics help get rid of the bacteria and achieve remission of peptic ulcer disease. During treatment, unpleasant symptoms go away, the mucous membrane of the digestive tract heals and the risk of complications (gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach cancer) decreases.

What else you need to know about proton pump inhibitors:

PPIs block enzyme production and hydrochloric acid synthesis almost irreversibly and for a long time. In order for gastric juice to begin to be synthesized again, new proton pumps must form in the parietal cells of the stomach. Therefore, Omeprazole and Ultop act longer than they actually remain in the body. The positive effect of the drugs persists even after they are completely removed.
PPIs are quickly destroyed in the acidic environment of the stomach. Therefore, such products are not available in tablets or suspensions. For oral administration, capsules coated with a durable acid-resistant coating are used. The protective film dissolves only in the intestines, where there is no hydrochloric acid.
Clinical trials: omeprazole, when taken orally, is rapidly absorbed from the intestine. After the membrane is destroyed, it enters the blood and reaches the parietal cells of the stomach. There it binds to the enzyme and blocks the synthesis of hydrochloric acid. It undergoes transformation in the liver and is excreted primarily by the kidneys. In people with chronic liver disease, the release of the drug slows down.

Characteristics of Ultop

The medicine has the following characteristics:

Release form. Ultop has the form of capsules in a dense shell, supplied in blisters or plastic cases.
Compound. The active substance of the drug is omeprazole. The capsules also contain auxiliary components: magnesium carbonate, sugar, macrogol, talc, potato starch, gelatin, red iron oxide.
Effect on the body. Omeprazole reduces the activity of enzymes secreted by parietal cells, inhibiting the final phase of hydrochloric acid production. This reduces the secretion of gastric juice, preventing the occurrence of ulcerative defects on the mucous membranes. The active component has a weak bactericidal effect on Helicobacter pylori.
Scope of use. Ultop is used for gastroesophageal reflux, the presence of gastrinoma (a tumor that secretes large amounts of the hormone gastrin), peptic ulcer disease, and ulcer-like syndromes. For dyspepsia, the drug is used to prevent ulceration of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.
Side effects. Taking capsules may cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, nausea and vomiting, loose stools or constipation. The functions of the liver and hematopoietic system are less frequently impaired. With long-term treatment, patients may complain of headache, depression, and insomnia.
Mode of application. Capsules are taken in quantities prescribed by a doctor, regardless of food intake. Exceeding the recommended dose leads to increased side effects.

Assessing the effectiveness of drugs

There is still no consensus in the medical community which drug is best to use for peptic ulcers. For example, Vasiliev V.V., that today there is no convincing evidence that one PPI is better than another. In his article, he writes that any drug from this group can be used - the main thing is to combine proton pump inhibitors with antibacterial agents. A number of other gastroenterologists believe this theory and believe that the choice of PPI does not matter.

Other researchers have noted that not all proton pump inhibitors are equally effective. This applies not only to various medications, but also to generics of the same drug. Therefore, many gastroenterologists carry out control daily monitoring of the pH level of gastric juice. Clinical studies are being conducted on this issue. It is likely that in the future we will be able to get a definitive answer to the question of which proton pump inhibitor does its job better.

A comparative study of two PPIs, Ultop and Omeprazole, has not been conducted. But in the medical literature there is data on the pharmacodynamics and therapeutic effect of each drug separately. Thus, Ultop is the drug of choice in the complex treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. A. A. Stepchenko and co-authors in the review state: Ultop as part of eradication therapy has proven itself to be the most effective and economically advantageous remedy. In another, scientists have proven that Ultop’s therapeutic effect is practically not inferior to the original drug.

We also analyzed information about proton pump inhibitors and found out that drugs in this group suppress the production of gastric juice faster and more effectively. They are superior to H2 blockers and other drugs traditionally used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Extensive evidence of the effectiveness of PPIs in the Cochrane Library.

Ultop and Omeprazole: analogues of these drugs

Today, the most famous drugs of a similar spectrum are Omez, Nexium, Pariet, Zhelkizol, Chrismel, Nolpaza, Ortanol, Zorsel, Omepruz, Romsek, Zerotsid, Omizak, Losek, Demeprazole, Helitsid, Gastrozol, Omefez, Cisagast.

What conclusion can be drawn based on brief drug monitoring? If we evaluate them from a financial point of view, then Omeprazole is much cheaper. As for side effects and effectiveness, Ultop looks more attractive. It is less likely to cause unwanted effects and helps more patients. But the best decision about which will be better - Omeprazole or Ultop - will be made only by the attending physician based on the results of the examination and an accurate diagnosis.

Precautionary measures

The active use of omeprazole-based drugs has led to the emergence of the term “omeprazole resistance” in the medical community. that some people are insensitive to the effects of the drug. When using the medicine in a standard dose, the acidity of gastric juice does not decrease in such patients, which is confirmed by pH measurements. It is assumed that the stomach cells of these patients have a different proton pump structure, and omeprazole molecules cannot contact them. But it is important to remember: true resistance to omeprazole is rare. Sometimes the lack of effect is due to other reasons - for example, taking the medicine incorrectly or using a generic drug of dubious quality.

Omeprazole, like other proton pump inhibitors, sometimes exhibits the overnight breakthrough phenomenon. Then at night, regardless of the drug taken, the acidity of the gastric juice increases. This condition lasts about an hour or more and reduces the effectiveness of therapy.

Treatment with omeprazole may lead to the development of undesirable reactions:

nausea, constipation, abdominal pain;
dizziness, headache;
general weakness;
kidney dysfunction;
muscle and joint pain;
allergic reactions.

Omeprazole and Ultop are prohibited for use in children and patients with chronic liver pathology. FDA also: Long-term use of the drug in high dosages increases the risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. Several sharp decreases in blood magnesium levels have been described in elderly patients during therapy.

Omeprazole-based drugs are not recommended for use during lactation. The FDA has classified the drug as Category C. This means that animal testing has shown risks to the fetus, including possible birth defects. No studies have been conducted on humans. The drug is also not prescribed during lactation.

Ultop: brief information

The medication belongs to a class of enzyme system inhibitors called “proton pump”.

It suppresses gastric enzyme activity, thereby reducing the synthesis of hydrochloric acid in the cells of the stomach. The following pharmacological effects are noted:

the pH environment in the digestive organs is normalized due to a decrease in acidity;
mucous membranes are protected from the traumatic effects of an aggressive acidic environment;
regeneration processes are stimulated;
the healing time of ulcers and erosion is reduced;
the process of food digestion is normalized;
symptoms of dyspepsia disappear - epigastric pain, discomfort, belching, nausea, heartburn, etc.;
the effectiveness of anti-Helicobacter therapy increases;
the vital activity of Helicobacter pylori bacteria is inhibited.

Symptoms of dyspepsia disappear immediately after taking the drug.

A stable improvement in the condition develops 5 days after the start of the course of treatment.

The pharmacological properties of the drug have found application in hypersecretory pathologies of the digestive system:

reflux esophagitis disease;
gastritis, including those developed under the influence of medications and food;
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
erosive lesions;
peptic ulcer of the small intestine and stomach.

Can be used in short courses for non-ulcer dyspepsia, including those developed under the influence of stress.

In surgery, it is used as a prophylactic agent during general anesthesia to prevent stomach contents from entering the respiratory tract.

If you are intolerant to the components of the drug, in childhood, during lactation and pregnancy, the medicine is contraindicated.

Based on the results of the medical examination, the doctor decides on the dosage regimen.

Usually capsules are taken 1-2 times a day. The duration of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks. Before administering anesthesia, taking 1 dose is sufficient.

For non-ulcer dyspepsia, it is used as needed, but the effectiveness of treatment is higher when taken in courses.

The most common side effects:

dyspepsia (constipation, loose stools, bloating, discomfort, pain in the intestines and stomach, changes in taste);
deterioration of liver laboratory parameters;
swelling;
muscle-joint pain, weakness;
dizziness;
headache;
increased levels of the hormone prolactin.

Long-term use can cause osteoporosis.

Produced in injection solution and capsules for internal use.

Available in 3 doses - 10, 20 and 40 mg. Capsules are sold in boxes of 14 and 28 capsules.

Depending on the dosage form and packaging, the average cost ranges from 125-480 rubles.

conclusions

Let's summarize:

Ultop and Omeprazole are proton pump inhibitors. They block the synthesis of hydrochloric acid and reduce the acidity of gastric juice. They are used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and other diseases of the digestive tract.
Ultop and Omeprazole are analogues. They contain one active ingredient and have general indications and contraindications for use.
Omeprazole, the active component of both drugs, has undergone clinical trials and confirmed its effectiveness in practice.
There have been no studies showing the difference between the two drugs, so it is not possible to speak unequivocally about the advantage of one of them.
Proton pump inhibitors can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and strictly in the prescribed dosage. Exceeding the dosage or violating the treatment regimen threatens the development of complications.

Brief instructions for Omez

Being a proton pump inhibitor, it inhibits the excessive production of hydrochloric acid in the gastric glands, thereby regulating the pH environment and helping to restore its physiological level.

When taking the drug, the following effects are observed:

the synthesis of hydrochloric acid is reduced;
normal acidity is restored;
the walls of the intestines and stomach are protected from the traumatic effects of digestive juices;
accelerates the healing of ulcers and erosions;
the risk of internal bleeding is reduced;
the vital activity of Helicobacter pylori bacteria is inhibited;
The effectiveness of antibacterial anti-Helicobacter therapy is enhanced.

The drug has found wide use in the treatment of gastroenterological pathologies accompanied by excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid:

gastritis, including those arising after taking food and medicine;
peptic ulcer;
erosive lesions;
reflux esophagitis disease;
dyspepsia of non-ulcer etiology.

Additionally used for

systemic mastocytosis;
polyendocrine adenomatosis;

In surgery, it is indicated as a preventive measure against aspiration pneumonitis, which occurs as a result of stomach contents entering the respiratory tract after general anesthesia.

Use in pediatric practice is possible provided that the patient’s body weight is more than 20 kg (treatment of peptic ulcer and reflux disease combined with Helicobacter pylori infection).

Pregnant women and nursing mothers may be prescribed, but the appropriateness of this step must be determined by a doctor.

If you are hypersensitive to any component of the medication, you should not take it.

The dosage regimen is selected by the doctor personally, based on the examination results and symptoms.

The medicine is taken 1-2 times a day. For eradication therapy, it is sufficient to take it for 7-10 days (in combination with antimicrobial agents and gastroprotectors). When monotherapy is used for at least 1 month.

To prevent surgical complications, one dose is sufficient.

1 tablet will help get rid of mild symptoms of dyspepsia.

The drug is well tolerated. In some cases, dyspeptic symptoms (pain, discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, stool disturbances), and dizziness may occur. Long-term use contributes to the occurrence of hormonal disorders caused by an increase in the concentration of prolactin in the blood. It can also cause osteoporosis.

Available in dosages of 10, 20 and 40 mg in packs of 10, 28 and 30 capsules.

Similarities of drugs

These drugs can be called complete analogues. Both Omeprazole and Ultop are based on one active ingredient - omeprazole. They are just sold under different trade names.

Accordingly, they are dispensed in the same dosage forms - in capsules and in solution for intravenous administration. Their side effects are the same and appear with the same strength.

Omeprazole

The drug is in the form of capsules that contain 20 and 40 mg of the active ingredient. Also available in the form of a solution for intravenous drip. The active ingredient is omeprazole. This means that both drugs are based on the same active ingredient.

Medicinal properties

The drug Omeprazole acts by the same mechanism as Ultop. It blocks H+-ATPase, thereby reducing the production of hydrochloric acid to a minimum. The effect does not depend on the factor that stimulates secretion, but depends on the dosage of the drug. One dose can last up to two days.

The duration of action immediately after administration is similar. Within a week after the end of treatment, the function of releasing hydrochloric acid is completely restored. But before this, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes have already healed. This takes from two to eight weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the location of the erosion.

Indications and contraindications

Omeprazole is indicated for adults with the following diseases:

upper intestinal ulcer
benign gastric ulcer and prevention;
preventing ulcer recurrences;
eradication of Helicobacter peptic ulcer;
stomach protection when taking NSAIDs;
treatment of reflux esophagitis.

It is also prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of gastritis, reflux esophagitis, and ulcerative-erosive lesions.

The use of Omeprazole is contraindicated in cases of high sensitivity to the active ingredients or substituted benzimidazoles. Cannot be taken during concurrent treatment with atazanavir or nelfinavir.

Adverse reactions

Due to the fact that Omeprazole contains the same active ingredient as Ultop, its safety profile is similar. Adverse reactions are completely the same and also do not require treatment or discontinuation of the drug, unless it is an allergy. In other cases, you need to consult a doctor.

Features of treatment

You should immediately consult a doctor if you notice symptoms such as:

weight loss for no apparent reason;
periodic vomiting;
vomiting blood or foam;
sharp pain in the abdomen.

If the doctor suspects the presence of an ulcer or the disease has already been diagnosed, malignant processes should be excluded. This is because both drugs can mask the symptoms of a stomach tumor.

Medicines contain lactose and sucrose. This should be taken into account in case of intolerance to these substances and/or impaired absorption. During therapy, the risk of infection with salmonella and campylobacter may increase. If long-term treatment is required, you need to carefully monitor the patient's condition: blood count, kidney and liver function, condition of the stomach and intestines.