New achievements of pharmacology for practical medicine in prevention and therapy of acid-dependent diseases

The prevalence of GERD in most European countries and the Russian Federation is at the level of 15–20%. Hydrochloric acid plays a significant and sometimes major role in damage to the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in patients with various acid-related diseases. Despite the presence of various classes of drugs that reduce the damaging effect of hydro-chloric acid on the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract, acid-related diseases continues to be an urgent medical problem. The review article discusses the issues of pharmacological treatment of acid-related diseases. Such classes of drugs as antacids, H2-histamine blockers, gastroprotectors, potassium-competitive blockers of hydrochloric acid secretion are described in detail. Particular attention is paid to the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The paper evaluates the merits of each class of drugs, their significance in the treatment of acid-related diseases. One of the most popular PPIs in the Russian Federation is omeprazole. The effectiveness of the drug is determined by pharmacokinetic parameters, in particular bioavailability. The bioavailability of omeprazole of various trade names varies widely. To increase the rate and completeness of dissolution, and hence the bioavailability of poorly soluble molecules in the modern pharmaceutical industry, various disintegrants are used as excipients. The addition of sodium superdisintegrant carboxymethyl starch to the new Omez® dosage form with MiniCaps technology promotes an accelerated and more complete intake of omeprazole into the systemic circulation, helping to increase bioavailability. In addition, the innovative dosage form has a volume that is 30% smaller than the classic capsule, which improves ease of use and adherence to treatment.