The effects on intragastric acidity of per-gastrostomy administration of an alkaline suspension of omeprazole

Background: It may be difficult to administer proton pump inhibitors via ga strostomy. Previous studies examined the effect of intact proton pump inhib itor granules in orange juice. This study examined the effect of an alkalin e suspension of omeprazole (simplified omeprazole suspension (SOS)) on 24-h intragastric acidity. Methods: Six men with an established gastrostomy had a baseline 24-h intrag astric pH study using methodology we have previously described, They then r eceived 20 mg SOS o.d. for 7 days and had a repeat pH study at the end of t his period, Four of the patients then received 20 mg SOS with 30 cc of liqu id antacid (Mylanta, TM) per gastrostomy o.d. for a further 7 days and then underwent a third pH study, Results: SOS raised mean pH from 2.2 to 4.1. Intragastric pH was above 3, 4 and 5 for 35, 28 and 17% of the 24-h period at baseline, respectively; cor responding values after SOS were 63, 51 and 39%, respectively, Addition of liquid antacid to SOS did not further increase its pH-controlling effect. Conclusions: We found a statistically significant effect of o.d. SOS on int ragastric pH when administered via gastrostomy. We found no additional bene fit of administering SOS with liquid antacid.