Esomeprazole tablet vs omeprazole capsule in treating erosive esophagitis.
OBJECTIVE
Esomeprazole, an oral S-form of omeprazole, has been a greater acid inhibitor over omeprazole in treating acid-related diseases. Only less published data is available to confirm its efficacy for Asian people. Therefore, a perspective, double-blind, randomized comparison of esomeprazole tablets 40 mg (Nexium) vs omeprazole capsules 20 mg (Losec) in treating Chinese subjects with erosive/ulcerative reflux esophagitis (EE) was conducted.


METHODS
A total of 48 EE patients were enrolled and randomized into two treatment groups under 8-wk therapy: 25 receiving esomeprazole, while another 23 receiving omeprazole treatment. Finally, 44 completed the whole 8-wk therapy.


RESULTS
The difference in healing EE between two groups was 22.7% (72.7% vs 50.0%), not reaching significant value (P = 0.204). The median of the first time needed in relieving heartburn sensation was 1 d for both groups and the remission rates for heartburn on the 1st d after treatment were 77.3% and 65%, respectively (NS). The scores of various reflux relieving symptoms evaluated either by patients or by investigators were not different. Regarding drug safety, 28% of esomeprazole group and 26.1% of omeprazole group reported at least one episode of adverse effects, while constipation and skin dryness were the common side effects in both groups (NS).


CONCLUSIONS
Esomeprazole 40 mg is an effective and safe drug at least comparable to omeprazole in treating Chinese EE patients.
Chen
Chih-Yen
CY
Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, China.
Lu
Ching-Liang
CL
Luo
Jiing-Chyuan
JC
Chang
Full-Young
FY
Lee
Shou-Dong
SD
Lai
Yung-Ling
YL
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002214:Capsules; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D064098:Esomeprazole; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013607:Tablets
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D002214:Capsules; D013607:Tablets; D009853:Omeprazole; D064098:Esomeprazole