Omeprazole vs Esomeprazole: is the newer ulcer drug worth the extra naira?

These two are closer than their marketing suggests: esomeprazole is literally one of the two mirror-image forms that make up omeprazole, isolated and sold separately. The refinement gives modestly stronger and more consistent acid suppression at equivalent doses, and studies show slightly better healing rates for badly eroded oesophagus — but for the everyday burning chest, sour belches, or ulcer pain that sends Nigerians to the chemist, both work well.

Two cautions matter more than the choice between them. First, 'ulcer' pain that keeps returning deserves an H. pylori test — the bacteria behind most true ulcers — because eradicating it beats years of acid tablets. Second, these drugs are for courses, not for life; long-term unsupervised daily use has real downsides, so recurring symptoms are a reason to see a doctor, not to keep buying packs.