Background: The addition of omeprazole to classical triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori may enhance compliance through reducing ulcer symptoms and side-effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 5-day administration of omeprazole on metronidazole pharmacokinetics.
Methods: Fourteen healthy male volunteers were selected. The study had an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 21-day washout period between the phases. Plasma concentrations of metronidazole and its hydroxy-metabolite were measured by reversed-phase HPLC with ultraviolet detection.
Results: Administration of omeprazole did not affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered metronidazole.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that short-term treatment with omeprazole in healthy volunteers does not alter the extent or the rate of metronidazole absorption, and does not affect metronidazole clearance.