Comparative evaluation of ulcer prevention efficacy of orally, rectally and sublingually administered omeprazole in three acute gastric ulcer models in rats.

Ulcer prevention efficacy of orally, rectally and sublingually administered omeprazole was evaluated and compared using ulcer index and percentage inhibition of ulcerogenicity in three different acute gastric ulcer models viz, indomethacin, 0.6N HCl and aspirin (after pylorus ligation) induced ulcers in rats. The ulcer prevention efficacy after oral, rectal and sublingual administration were statistically significant (P < 0.01) in all the models. The differences in ulcer index and percentage inhibition of ulcerogenicity for rectal and sublingual administration were insignificant (P < 0.05) in indomethacin and HCl induced ulcers and were significant (P < 0.05) in aspirin induced ulcers. The ulcer prevention activity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) after rectal and sublingual routes when compared to oral administration in all three models evaluated. Results revealed a faster onset and higher extent of pharmacodynamic activity of omeprazole after rectal and sublingual administration.