Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that blocks the production of stomach acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the contents of the stomach are regurgitated into the esophagus. It is a common condition in pediatric patients, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Patients may experience regurgitation, vomiting, irritability, persistent crying, heartburn, chest pain, and more severe symptoms in some cases. Commercially available medications include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For pediatric patients, the commercially available products are not always ideal as they usually are made in capsules or tablets. A compounding pharmacy can make proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and lansoprazole in the form of solutions that can easily be taken by mouth or used with a feeding tube.

Compounding Omeprazole Solution

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that has been available for many years. It is sold under the brand name Prilosec and is also available as a generic. Solutions of omeprazole are not manufactured, mostly because they are not stable for long periods of time and would not travel well through the supply chain. A compounding pharmacy however can make a custom solution and deliver it directly to the patient. For pediatric patients, solutions help increase compliance and improve treatment outcomes. For patients who are not able to take a capsule at all, a liquid form of medication can be essential.

Omeprazole Solution Safety

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors is generally safe and well tolerated when dosed appropriately. Pediatric patients are frequently dosed by body weight but this can vary. Omeprazole actually has a shorter half life in children than in adults because of children’s higher metabolic capacity. Side effects of this medication may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In the majority of cases these side effects are not significant enough for the patient to discontinue treatment. Patients should not be given PPIs long-term, although they are sometimes prescribed indefinitely. Most patients should be prescribed treatment courses that are shorter, with treatment being discontinued when symptoms improve.

Articles

Delayed-release oral suspension of omeprazole for the treatment of erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric patients: a review – Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology