The comparative effects of single intravenous doses of omeprazole and famotidine on intragastric pH

Background The ideal medication for the treatment of acid-related diseases, for example, hemorrhagic ulcers and stress-related gastric bleeding, should have a rapid onset of action to promote hemostasis and alleviate symptoms. The aim of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effects on gastric acid secretion after single intravenous administrations of omeprazole 20 mg and famotidine 20 mg. Methods. Ten healthy Helicobacter pylori-negative male subjects participated in this randomized, double-masked, two-way crossover study. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 4 h after a single intravenous administration of omeprazole 20 mg and after a single intravenous administration of famotidine 20 mg. The administration of the two agents was separated by a 7-day washout period. Results. In all ten subjects, the length of time that intragastric pH remained over 3, during the 0- to 3- and 0- to 4-h study periods, was greater after famotidine treatment than after treatment with omeprazole, and famotidine increased the average pH during the 0 to 3- and 0 to 4-h study periods significantly more than omeprazole did. During the 4-h study period, famotidine provided a longer duration of pH of more than 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, and 7, compared to omeprazole. Conclusions. In Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy male subjects, an intravenous dose of 20 mg famotidine increased intragastric pH more rapidly than intravenous omeprazole 20 mg.