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Effects of esomeprazole magnesium on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy.

It has been proposed that tissue damage induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is related to increased tissue free radical production with antioxidant depletion. We have shown that esomeprazole increases gastric total antioxidant capacity in mice and, therefore, hypothesized that the protective effect of esomeprazole during treatment with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is related to increased gastric antioxidant capacity and decreased tissue free radical production. A/J mice received one of four treatments by daily gavage: saline in vehicle (control), indomethacin, esomeprazole, or indomethacin and esomeprazole. After 10 days, all mice were sacrificed and validated assays were used to measure gastric total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxide levels, and myeloperoxidase activity. Indomethacin-treated mice developed weight loss and melena. No mice receiving indomethacin and esomeprazole died, but the death rate while receiving indomethacin was 38% (chi2, P = 0.05). Gastric lipid peroxide levels increased in mice receiving indomethacin treatment compared to treatment with esomeprazole and indomethacin (P = 0.03). There was a strong trend (P = 0.08) toward increased gastric total antioxidant capacity in mice receiving esomeprazole and indomethacin compared to mice receiving indomethacin. Gastric myeloperoxidase activities were not different among the four groups. Esomeprazole significantly improved survival in mice that received indomethacin, reduced free radical production, as estimated by lipid peroxide levels, and appeared to increase gastric total antioxidant capacity. The mechanisms for the beneficial effects of esomeprazole in the treatment of gastropathy are more complex than previously thought.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetic properties of esomeprazole in children aged 1 to 11 years with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized, open-label study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the overall exposure, other pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, and tolerability of esomeprazole magnesium after repeated oral doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg in pediatric patients who had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: This randomized, open-label study was conducted at West Coast Clinical Trials, Long Beach, California. Boys and girls aged 1 to 11 years who had a clinical diagnosis of GERD were included and stratified by age (1-5 years [younger group] and 6-11 years [older group]). For this 5-day study, children in the younger group were randomly assigned to receive 1 esomeprazole 5- or 10-mg capsule p.o. QD, and those in the older group were randomly assigned to receive 1 esomeprazole 10- or 20-mg capsule p.o. QD. On days 1 to 4, study medications were administered with the supervision of the study personnel 1 hour before breakfast. Blood samples were collected within 0.5 hour before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours after study drug administration on day 5. Plasma concentrations of esomeprazole were measured using reverse-phase liquid chromatography and mass-spectrometric detection. Tolerability assessments were performed by reviewing the number and severity of adverse events (collected via spontaneous reporting and direct questioning) and findings from the physical examination, which included vital-sign measurements and laboratory analysis (hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis). Site personnel supervised the administration of the study drug to ensure compliance with treatment. RESULTS: The study included 31 children (17 boys, 14 girls; mean age, 5 years; 18 children in the younger group, 13 in the older group). A total of 27 children were included in the PK analysis. In the younger group, the geometric mean AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax values in the esomeprazole 10-mg group were >2-fold that in the 5-mg group (AUC(0-infinity), 4.83 and 0.74 pmol x h/L [0.32 and 0.04 micromol x h x L(-1)/kg], respectively; Cmax, 2.98 and 0.62 micromol/L [0.19 and 0.03 micromol/L x kg(-1)], respectively). In the older group, the geometric mean AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax values for the 20-mg dose group were approximately 2-fold those for the 10-mg dose group (AUC(0-infinity), 6.28 and 3.70 micromol x h/L [0.21 and 0.12 pmol x h x L(-1)/kg], respectively; Cmax, 3.73 and 1.77 micromol/L [0.13 and 0.06 micromol/L x kg 1], respectively). For the 10-mg esomeprazole dose, the geometric mean body-weight-normalized apparent oral clearance was approximately 50% higher in the younger group compared with the older group (0.40 and 0.25 L/h x kg(-1), respectively). Thirty patients were included in the tolerability analysis. The adverse events that occurred were skin excoriation, discolored feces, and skin laceration (1 [3.3%] patient each); none were considered related to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this small study suggest that, in children aged 1 to 11 years who had GERD, the PK properties of esomeprazole may be both dose and age dependent and that younger children might have a more rapid metabolism of esomeprazole per kilogram of body weight compared with older children. Esomeprazole was well tolerated at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg in the pediatric patients studied.

Administration, Oral↗

Esomeprazole provides improved acid control vs. omeprazole In patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a new proton pump inhibitor for the treatment of acid-related diseases. METHODS: In this double-blind crossover study, 38 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were randomized to esomeprazole 40 and 20 mg and omeprazole 20 mg once daily for 5 days. On day 5 of each dosing period, 24-h intragastric pH and pharmacokinetic variables were measured. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients aged 29-58 (mean 45) years completed the study. Esomeprazole 40 and 20 mg maintained intragastric pH > 4 for (mean) 16.8 and 12.7 h, respectively, vs. 10.5 h for omeprazole 20 mg (P < 0.001 and P < 0. 01). Twenty-four-hour median intragastric pH was significantly higher with esomeprazole 40 mg (4.9) and 20 mg (4.1) than with omeprazole 20 mg (3.6) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was 80% higher for esomeprazole 20 mg vs. omeprazole, while that for esomeprazole 40 mg was more than five times higher (each P < 0.0001). Interpatient variability in intragastric pH and AUC was less with esomeprazole than with omeprazole. Esomeprazole was well tolerated and there were no safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole provides more effective acid control than omeprazole, with reduced interpatient variability, thereby offering the potential for improved efficacy in acid-related diseases.

Adult↗

Effects of rabeprazole, 20 mg, or esomeprazole, 20 mg, on 24-h intragastric pH and serum gastrin in healthy subjects.

AIM: To compare the antisecretory effects of rabeprazole and esomeprazole in an open, randomized, two-way crossover, clinical pharmacology study. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy subjects (14 men, 10 women; mean age 26.8 years) received rabeprazole 20 mg or esomeprazole 20 mg daily on days 1-5, with a 14-day 'wash-out'. Intragastric pH was recorded continuously, and serum gastrin measured, on days 0, 1 and 5. RESULTS: On day 0, mean intragastric pH AUC was significantly higher before the esomeprazole than before the rabeprazole treatment in four of the five time intervals analysed. On days 1 and 5, mean intragastric pH AUC was higher after rabeprazole than esomeprazole during 5-11, 14-24 and 0-24 h after dosing. Mean pH AUC in the first 5 h after dosing on day 5 was higher after esomeprazole than rabeprazole (P=0.012). On day 1, mean per cent times pH > 3 and > 4 were significantly greater after rabeprazole than esomeprazole during 0-14, 14-24 and 0-24 h. On day 5, mean serum gastrin AUC0-4 was higher (P = 0.017) after rabeprazole than esomeprazole (335 vs. 316 pg/mL.h). CONCLUSION: In this clinical pharmacology study, rabeprazole 20 mg daily was more effective than esomeprazole 20 mg daily in increasing intragastric pH and maintaining pH > 3 and > 4. On day 5, mean pH AUC was higher after esomeprazole than rabeprazole.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Esomeprazole: a clinical review.

The pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of esomeprazole are reviewed. Esomeprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), is the S-isomer of omeprazole. Esomeprazole has FDA-approved labeling for use in the treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including healing and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis and as part of a triple-drug regimen for Helicobocter pylori infection. Esomeprazole is structurally similar to other PPIs but is the first PPI to include only the active isomer, which may lead to improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Esomeprazole maintains intragastric pH at a higher level and above 4 for a longer period than other PPIs. Clinical studies have shown that esomeprazole is at least equivalent in safety and efficacy to other drugs in the class. Esomeprazole has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of erosive esophagitis, the maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, and the treatment of signs and symptoms of GERD. Effective dosages are 20 or 40 mg orally every day or as needed. Esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg once daily in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin is effective in eradicating H. pylori infection. The potential for interacting with other drugs is limited and is similar to that of omeprazole. The most common adverse effects are headache, respiratory infection, and abdominal symptoms. Esomeprazole has pharmacokinetic properties that may make it more effective than omeprazole in some patients.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

The role of acid suppression in patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease: the effect of treatment with esomeprazole or omeprazole.

BACKGROUND: Patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease have reflux symptoms, mainly heartburn, but not mucosal breaks characteristic of erosive oesophagitis. Standard-dose proton pump inhibitors can provide symptom relief in endoscopy-negative reflux disease but the effect of greater acid suppression has not been studied. AIM: To test the hypothesis that esomeprazole produces heartburn resolution in a greater proportion of patients with ENRD than omeprazole. METHODS: Three multi-centre randomized, controlled, double-blind, 4-week acute treatment studies were conducted in endoscopy-negative reflux disease patients. In study A (n = 1282), patients received either esomeprazole 40 mg, esomeprazole 20 mg or omeprazole 20 mg daily; in studies B (n = 693) and C (n = 670) patients received either esomeprazole 40 mg or omeprazole 20 mg (B), and esomeprazole 20 mg or omeprazole 20 mg (C), respectively. RESULTS: Resolution of heartburn at 4 weeks (no heartburn symptoms during the last 7 days) was achieved in similar proportions of patients in each treatment arm in study A (esomeprazole 40 mg, 56.7%; esomeprazole 20 mg, 60.5%; omeprazole 20 mg, 58.1%), study B (esomeprazole 40 mg, 70.3%; omeprazole 20 mg, 67.9%) and study C (esomeprazole 20 mg, 61.9%; omeprazole 20 mg, 59.6%). There were no significant differences between treatment groups within each study. CONCLUSIONS: More than 60% of endoscopy-negative reflux disease patients reported heartburn resolution but, after 4 weeks of therapy, these proportions did not differ significantly between treatments.

Adult↗

A comparison of esomeprazole and lansoprazole for control of intragastric pH in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric acid suppression is the most direct measure of the pharmacodynamic efficacy of proton pump inhibitors, which are the most effective drugs for acid-related diseases. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of once and twice daily dosing of lansoprazole and esomeprazole in controlling intragastric acidity (target gastric pH > 4.0) over a 24-hour period. METHODS: In an open-label, two-way crossover study, 45 Helicobacter pylori-negative patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were randomized to receive one of two regimens: 30 mg lansoprazole or esomeprazole 40 mg once daily. Intragastric pH was assessed by 24-hour pH monitoring on day 5 of each regimen. Dosing was increased to twice daily and pH was reassessed on day 10. Following a 14-day washout, patients were crossed over to the other medication and the dosage regimens and pH assessments were repeated. RESULTS: Data were analysed from 35 patients who completed all scheduled assessments and had 24-hour monitoring for each end-point. Mean time pH > 4.0 and mean 24-hour pH were highest for esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily, followed by lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily, esomeprazole 40 mg once daily and lansoprazole 30 mg once daily. Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily provided superior control of intragastric pH compared with either once or twice daily dosing of lansoprazole and once daily dosing of esomeprazole (P < 0.01). Esomeprazole 40 mg once daily was comparable with lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily and both were superior to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Response to acid suppression treatment depends on the treatment selected. Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily provided better control of intragastric pH than all other regimens evaluated. Esomeprazole 40 mg daily, however, was comparable with lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily and superior to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Effect of esomeprazole on nighttime heartburn and sleep quality in patients with GERD: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep disturbances are common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study examined the effects of esomeprazole on nighttime heartburn, GERD-related sleep disturbances, sleep quality, work productivity, and regular activities. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included adults with GERD-associated sleep disturbances and moderate-to-severe nighttime heartburn (recorded by patient diary during screening). Patients received oral esomeprazole 40 mg (n = 220) or 20 mg (n = 226) or placebo (n = 229) once daily for 4 wk. The primary outcome was relief of nighttime heartburn. Secondary outcomes included resolution of sleep disturbances, sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and work productivity measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Nighttime heartburn was relieved in 53.1% (111/209), 50.5% (111/220), and 12.7% (28/221) of patients who received esomeprazole 40 mg, esomeprazole 20 mg, and placebo, respectively. Differences (95% CI) versus placebo were 40.5% (32.4%, 48.5%) and 37.8% (29.9%, 45.7%) and were highly significant (p < 0.0001). GERD-related sleep disturbances resolved in significantly more (p < 0.0001) patients who received esomeprazole 40 (73.7%) or 20 mg (73.2%) than in those who received placebo (41.2%). Both esomeprazole groups had greater PSQI global score changes from baseline (p < 0.0001 vs placebo) and more (p < 0.0001 vs placebo) work hours saved per week per patient compared with baseline (esomeprazole 40 mg, 11.6 h; esomeprazole 20 mg, 12.3 h; placebo, 6.2 h). CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole reduced nighttime heartburn and GERD-related sleep disturbances and improved sleep quality and work productivity.

Administration, Oral↗

Review of esomeprazole in the treatment of acid disorders.

Esomeprazole (Nexium, AstraZeneca) is the (S)-isomer of omeprazole and the first proton pump inhibitor to be developed as an optical isomer. Esomeprazole has an improved pharmacokinetic profile, resulting in increased systemic exposure and less interindividual variability compared with omeprazole, and more effective suppression of gastric acid production compared with other proton pump inhibitors. In several large, double-blind, randomised trials, significantly higher rates of endoscopically-confirmed healing of erosive oesophagitis and resolution of heartburn have been achieved in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease receiving 8 weeks of esomeprazole 40 mg o.d. compared with those receiving omeprazole 20 mg o.d. or lansoprazole 30 mg o.d. In the maintenance of healed erosive oesophagitis, esomeprazole 10, 20 or 40 mg o.d. was significantly more effective than placebo in two 6-month, randomised, double-blind trials. Additionally, esomeprazole 20 mg o.d. was more effective than lansoprazole 15 mg in the maintenance of healed erosive oesophagitis in another 6-month, randomised, double-blind trial. Healing of oesophagitis was also effectively maintained by esomeprazole 40 mg o.d. in a 12-month non-comparative trial. Esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg o.d. effectively relieved heartburn in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without oesophagitis in two 4-week, placebo-controlled trials. Clinical trials have shown that triple therapy with esomeprazole 40 mg o.d. in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin produced Helicobacter pylori eradication rates similar to those obtained using triple therapy involving twice-daily dosing with other proton pump inhibitors. Esomeprazole is well-tolerated, with a spectrum and incidence of adverse events similar to those associated with omeprazole.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

Esomeprazole therapy for gastric acid hypersecretion in children with cystinosis.

Oral cysteamine therapy prevents natural disease progression in children with cystinosis, but it may cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms through gastric acid-hypersecretion. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of esomeprazole in controlling cysteamine-induced acid-hypersecretion and GI symptoms in children with cystinosis. Subjects underwent upper GI endoscopy and biopsy, serum gastrin and cysteamine measurements as well as acid secretion studies (basal, maximal and peak acid output, BAO, MAO, PAO) before and during esomeprazole therapy. A symptom score (maximum 14 points) was devised to monitor symptoms. Twelve children (mean age 5.8 years) were studied. Cysteamine ingestion resulted in mean MAO and PAO significantly higher than mean BAO, both before and during esomeprazole therapy. PAO was usually within 60 min of cysteamine ingestion. Esomeprazole therapy significantly reduced MAO (P<0.01) and PAO (P<0.01). The mean symptom score fell from 6.4 to 0.7 (P<0.0001) during esomeprazole therapy. The mean final dose of esomeprazole was 1.7 mg/kg per day (range 0.7 mg/kg per day to 2.75 mg/kg per day). Plasma cysteamine levels were not affected by acid-suppression therapy. One child had multi-nucleated parietal cells. Cysteamine-induced gastric acid-hypersecretion and GI symptoms are dramatically reduced with esomeprazole therapy. Esomeprazole does not alter cysteamine absorption and is very well tolerated in children.

Child↗

Intragastric acidity after switching from 5-day treatment with intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg/d to 5-day treatment with oral esomeprazole 40 mg/d or pantoprazole 40 mg/d: an open-label crossover study in healthy adult volunteers.

BACKGROUND: After a course of IV proton pump inhibitor therapy, patients might require continued oral antisecretory therapy. A direct comparison of therapeutic alternatives could assist physicians in decisions regarding optimal acid-suppressive therapy. Oral esomeprazole might control intragastric acidity more effectively compared with other acid-suppressive agents after IV therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare intragastric acid control on day 5 of administration of esomeprazole magnesium versus pantoprazole 40 mg PO QD after switching from 5 days of treatment with pantoprazole 40 mg IV in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This randomized, open-label, comparative, 2-way crossover study was conducted at the Oklahoma Foundation for Digestive Research, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, between October and December 2004. Healthy, Helicobacter pylori-negative adults were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dosing sequences: pantoprazole IV followed by esomeprazole PO or pantoprazole IV followed by pantoprazole PO. All study medications were administered for 5 days at a dose of 40 mg QD. IV pantoprazole was administered over 2 minutes; all medications were administered 30 minutes before breakfast. There was a 10- to 21-day washout period between each 10-day dosing period. All doses were administered at the study site. Before oral study drug administration on days 1 and 5, 24-hour pH monitoring was performed using a pH catheter positioned 10 cm distal to the lower esophageal sphincter in the stomach. The primary end point was percentage of time with pH >4 (%t pH >4) during the 24-hour pH-monitoring period. Tolerability was assessed using spontaneous reporting, laboratory analysis, and vital-sign measurement. RESULTS: Of 42 subjects randomized to treatment sequences, 4 were withdrawn during the study because of invalid pH data; 38 subjects (24 men, 14 women; mean [SD] age, 25.2 [8.1] years) had assessable data. Day-5 %t pH >4 was 68.5% with esomeprazole and 53.3% with pantoprazole (P < 0.001). Day-1 %t pH >4 was 62.5% with esomeprazole and 51.0% with pantoprazole (P < 0.001). The most common adverse events were rhinitis (2 subjects each with pantoprazole IV and PO; 1 subject with esomeprazole) and headache (2 subjects with esomeprazole; 1 subject with pantoprazole IV). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study in healthy adult volunteers suggest that switching from pantoprazole 40 mg IV to esomeprazole 40 mg PO QD more effectively suppresses intragastric acid compared with switching from pantoprazole 40 mg IV to pantoprazole 40 mg PO QD. All 3 treatments were well tolerated.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Esomeprazole-based therapy in Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis.

AIM: To perform a systematic review on the efficacy of esomeprazole-based therapies in Helicobacter pylori eradication, and to conduct a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of esomeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors when co-prescribed with antibiotics. METHODS: Studies evaluating esomeprazole plus antibiotics were considered. Only randomised trials comparing esomeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors with antibiotics, and differing only in the proton pump inhibitor, were included in the meta-analysis. Electronic and manual bibliographical searches were conducted. The percentage (weighted mean) of eradication success was calculated. Meta-analysis was performed combining the odd ratios of the individual studies. RESULTS: Mean cure rates with dual regimens (esomeprazole plus clarithromycin) were 51 and 54%, respectively, by intention-to-treat and by per-protocol. Corresponding figures with triple regimens (esomeprazole plus clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or metronidazole) were 82% (intention-to-treat) and 86% (per-protocol). Four studies were included in the meta-analysis: mean H. pylori eradication rates (intention-to-treat) with esomeprazole plus antibiotics was 85 and 82% when omeprazole was used (odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 0.81-1.74), results being statistically homogeneous. When subanalysis included only high quality studies, the odds ratio for this comparison was closer to one (1.08; 95% confidence interval = 0.4-1.47) and results were more homogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole-based triple therapy is highly effective for the eradication of H. pylori infection and offers comparable efficacy to omeprazole-based therapy.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The new proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole is effective as a maintenance therapy in GERD patients with healed erosive oesophagitis: a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: Esomeprazole, the S-isomer of omeprazole, is the first proton pump inhibitor to be developed as an optical isomer. In patients with erosive oesophagitis, esomeprazole has produced significantly greater healing rates and improved symptom resolution vs. omeprazole. AIM: This study assesses the efficacy of esomeprazole for preventing relapse in patients with healed oesophagitis. METHODS: In this 6-month US multicentre randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 375 Helicobacter pylori-negative patients with endoscopically healed oesophagitis received esomeprazole 40 mg, 20 mg, 10 mg, or placebo once daily. The primary efficacy end-point was maintenance of healing at 6 months. Secondary end-points assessed changes in symptoms, and long-term safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Significantly (P < 0.001) more patients remained healed with esomeprazole 40 mg (87.9%), 20 mg (78.7%), or 10 mg (54.2%), than with placebo (29.1%). Relapse, when it occurred, was later with esomeprazole. Sustained resolution of heartburn was observed in the 40 mg and 20 mg groups; there was a high correlation between absence of heartburn and maintenance of healing. Adverse effects were mild, infrequent and not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole is effective and well-tolerated in the maintenance of healing of erosive oesophagitis. Esomeprazole 40 mg and 20 mg offer significant clinical benefit to patients.

Administration, Oral↗

Efficacy of esomeprazole in patients with acid-peptic disorders.

Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a new proton pump inhibitor that provides more effective acid control compared with other proton pump inhibitors. In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, standard doses of esomeprazole maintain intragastric pH above 4 for significantly longer periods compared with standard doses of other proton pump inhibitors after 5 days of treatment. Esomeprazole is approved for the treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, the healing of erosive esophagitis, and maintenance of healing. In clinical trials, esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks provided higher rates of healing of erosive esophagitis and a greater proportion of patients with sustained resolution of heartburn, than either omeprazole 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily. For the maintenance of healing, esomeprazole 20 mg once daily provided significantly higher rates of maintained healing of erosive esophagitis after 6 months of treatment compared with lansoprazole 15 mg once daily. Esomeprazole is also approved for use as part of a triple-drug therapy regimen in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer disease. The side effect profile of esomeprazole is similar to that of omeprazole. Many patients with acid-related disorders may benefit from the more rapid symptom relief, higher rates of healing of erosive esophagitis, and improved maintenance of healing that can be achieved with esomeprazole.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

Pharmacokinetic study of esomeprazole in patients with hepatic impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of esomeprazole (Nexium), the S-isomer of omeprazole, after repeated oral dosing in patients with hepatic impairment. DESIGN: Single-centre, open-label one-way study. METHODS: Twelve patients (aged 40-60 years) with mild to severe hepatic impairment received once-daily oral esomeprazole 40 mg for 5 days. Serial blood samples were drawn up to 24 h post-dose on day 5 to determine plasma levels of esomeprazole and its metabolites. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with an historical control group of 36 gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients (aged 29-58 years) with normal hepatic function. RESULTS: Esomeprazole was absorbed rapidly (mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) 6.1 micromol/l, mean time to Cmax (tmax) 1.9 h) and eliminated rapidly (mean plasma elimination half-life (t1/2) 2.1 h). Elimination of its pharmacologically inactive sulphone and hydroxy metabolites was more gradual. Patients with mild hepatic impairment had area under the plasma concentration-time curve during the dosage interval (AUCtau) and t1/2 values largely within the range of the control group. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, t1/2 values were similar and AUCtau was slightly higher than in controls, whereas both parameters were increased in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The mean ratios of esomeprazole AUCtau, Cmax and t1/2 values in patients with and without hepatic impairment were 1.8, 1.3 and 1.3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The steady-state pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole were not altered substantially by mild or moderate hepatic impairment; however, plasma levels of esomeprazole were elevated in severe cases. Thus, dose adjustment appears unwarranted in mild or moderate hepatic impairment, but may be required in some severely impaired patients. Esomeprazole was tolerated well across the spectrum of hepatic impairment.

Administration, Oral↗

Esomeprazole 40 mg and 20 mg is efficacious in the long-term management of patients with endoscopy-negative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a placebo-controlled trial of on-demand therapy for 6 months.

BACKGROUND: On-demand therapy may offer an effective approach to the long-term management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) without oesophagitis. AIM: To examine the efficacy of the novel proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole as on-demand therapy in endoscopy-negative GORD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Endoscopy-negative GORD patients who achieved complete resolution of heartburn after short-term esomeprazole or omeprazole treatment (n = 721) were randomized to esomeprazole 20 mg (n = 282), 40 mg (n = 293) or placebo (n = 146) on demand (maximum one dose/day) for 6 months. The primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were time to study discontinuation due to (i) unwillingness to continue and (ii) inadequate control of heartburn, respectively. RESULTS: Both doses of esomeprazole were more effective than placebo. During the 6-month period, 42% of placebo recipients discontinued treatment due to unwillingness to continue, compared with 8% and 11% of esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg recipients, respectively. Overall, more patients treated with esomeprazole were free from gastrointestinal symptoms after 6 months of on-demand therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole 20 mg was superior to placebo for on-demand treatment of GORD; a higher dose did not confer additional clinical benefit. Over 90% of patients were willing to continue on-demand treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg over a 6-month period.

Administration, Oral↗

Intragastric acidity during treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily or pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily--a randomized, two-way crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe or complicated reflux disease may require higher than standard doses of a proton pump inhibitor for sufficient acid suppression. AIM: To test the hypothesis that esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily is superior to pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily in lowering intragastric acidity. METHODS: In a randomized, single-blinded, two-way crossover study, healthy subjects received esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily or pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily orally for five consecutive days. Continuous ambulatory 24-h intragastric pH was recorded on day 5 of each treatment. RESULTS: Thirty subjects were analysed. Esomeprazole provided significantly higher intragastric pH-values over the 24-h period [median intragastric pH 6.4 for esomeprazole and 5.1 for pantoprazole (P < 0.00005)]. Intragastric pH > 4 was maintained for 21.1 h with esomeprazole and 16.8 h with pantoprazole (P < 0.0001). An intragastric pH > 4 for more than 16 h was achieved in 96.7 and 56.7% of subjects, respectively (P = 0.0002). During night-time the proportion of time with intragastric pH > 4 was 85.4% with esomeprazole and 63.6% with pantoprazole (P = 0.0001). Nocturnal acid break through occurred less frequently on esomeprazole. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily provides better and more consistent intragastric acid control than pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Comparison of the effects of intravenously and orally administered esomeprazole on acid output in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous esomeprazole may be beneficial for patients who cannot take oral medications. AIM: To compare intravenous esomeprazole with oral esomeprazole for effects on maximal acid output during pentagastrin stimulation in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms. METHODS: In four separate open-label, randomized, two-way crossover studies, adult patients were administered esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg once daily either orally or intravenously (by 15-min infusion or 3-min injection) for 10 days and switched to the other formulation with no washout period. Basal acid output and maximal acid output were measured on days 11, 13 and 21. RESULTS: In the four studies (total of 183 patients), least-squares mean maximal acid output ranged from 3.0 to 4.1 mmol/h after intravenous esomeprazole 40 or 20 mg and from 2.2 to 3.3 mmol/h after oral esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg. Differences between formulations were small and not statistically significant but did not meet the prospectively defined criterion for non-inferiority of the intravenous formulation. Median basal acid output values ranged from 0.04 to 0.27 mmol/h after intravenous administration and from 0.05 to 0.25 mmol/h after oral esomeprazole. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous esomeprazole is an acceptable alternative to the oral formulation for treatment of up to 10 days of duration.

Administration, Oral↗