What it does
Ilaprazole is a medication used to reduce stomach acid and treat related conditions.
Commonly used for: stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), excess stomach acid production
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:50:25 · updated 2026-07-26 11:41:01
About this medicine
Ilaprazole is a medication used to reduce stomach acid and treat related conditions.
What it treats
- stomach ulcers
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- excess stomach acid production
How it works
Ilaprazole works by blocking the production of stomach acid, helping to heal ulcers and reduce heartburn.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and may be used for patients with acid-related stomach issues.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: ilaprazole
BNF-referencedIlaprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used primarily for the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. It acts by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the surface of the gastric parietal cells, leading to a decrease in gastric acid secretion. This results in increased gastric pH and provides symptomatic relief in conditions associated with excessive gastric acid production.
Indications
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for paediatric dosing information.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific adult dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Ilaprazole selectively inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the gastric parietal cells, which is responsible for acid secretion. By blocking this enzyme, ilaprazole reduces the secretion of gastric acid, thereby increasing gastric pH.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of ilaprazole manifest through its ability to suppress basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion, leading to a decrease in gastric acidity. This effect is dose-dependent and typically begins within hours of administration, with maximal suppression of acid secretion occurring after several days of consistent dosing.
Pharmacokinetics
Ilaprazole is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. It has a bioavailability of approximately 50%. The drug undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes. The elimination half-life is about 1 to 2 hours, and the drug is primarily excreted in the urine. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.
Pregnancy
Ilaprazole should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are limited data on the safety of ilaprazole in pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether ilaprazole is excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: ilaprazole
PubChem CID 214351Molecular formula: C19H18N4O2S
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.