The nurse is discussing the mechanism of action of omeprazole (Prilosec) with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student would best indicate understanding of the mechanism of action of omeprazole?
a. "The duration of action is short, because the drug has a short half-life."
b. "Absorption occurs in the stomach when the pH is greater than 5."
c. "It irreversibly inhibits the enzyme needed to produce stomach acid."
d. "The complete return of acid production occurs 24 hours after discontinuation."
ANS: C
The mechanism of action of omeprazole is that it irreversibly inhibits the enzyme needed to produce stomach acid. Effects persist until new enzyme is synthesized, with partial recovery in 3 to 5 days.
Although the half-life of the drug is short, the effects persist long after the drug has been cleared from the body.
Absorption does not take place in the stomach. The medication is acid labile and would be destroyed in the gut without protection. It is enteric coated and designed to become activated in the alkaline environment of the duodenum.
Partial return of acid production occurs 3 to 5 days after the medication is stopped. Full recovery may take weeks.
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