Acid control cannot be improved with a modified-release formulation of a proton pump inhibitor compared with twice-daily dosing of the conventional formulation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare acid control with a once-daily (od) modified-release (MR) formulation of esomeprazole vs. the conventional formulation (CF) dosed twice-daily (bid).


METHODS
In a randomized, five-way crossover study, 55 healthy volunteers underwent 24-h intragastric pH monitoring after 5-day treatment with MR esomeprazole (40, 60 or 80 mg od) and CF esomeprazole (20 or 40 mg bid).


RESULTS
Modified-release 60 and 80 mg od resulted in a significantly longer time with intragastric pH > 4 than MR 40 mg od (77.1 and 79.0% vs. 66.4%, respectively; both p < 0.05). At equivalent total daily doses, CF 20 mg bid led to a significantly longer time with intragastric pH > 4 than MR 40 mg od (72.3 vs. 66.4%; p < 0.05), and CF 40 mg bid led to a significantly longer time with pH > 4 than MR 80 mg od (85.5 vs. 79.0%; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
At equivalent total daily doses, the MR formulation of esomeprazole provides less 24-h acid control than the conventional formulation dosed twice-daily.
AstraZeneca R&D, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden. Kerstin.Rohss@astrazeneca.com
Kerstin
K
Röhss
Clive
C
Wilder-Smith
Sara
S
Bokelund-Singh
Mohamed
M
Sagar
Péter
P
Nagy
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D064098:Esomeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D064098:Esomeprazole