An open trial on short-term omeprazole therapy for gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is a potent and long-acting gastric acid reducing agent. To assess its short-term efficacy and safety, 27 gastric ulcers (GU) and 40 duodenal ulcers (DU) in 64 patients were treated with 20 mg. Omeprazole was given once daily. At 2 weeks, the healing rate for gastric ulcers was 66% (18/27) and for duodenal ulcers, 78% (31/40). At 4 weeks, the healing rate was 85% and 95% for GU and DU, respectively. Pain relief was achieved after 2 weeks in 62% with GU and 61% in DU. There were no significant side effects noted during the treatment course. Omeprazole is effective and safe in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.