CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism Of Action
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses
gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase in the
gastric parietal cell. The S- and R-isomers of omeprazole are protonated and converted
in the acidic compartment of the parietal cell forming the active inhibitor,
the achiral sulphenamide. By acting specifically on the proton pump,
esomeprazole blocks the final step in acid production, thus reducing gastric
acidity. This effect is dose-related up to a daily dose of 20 mg to 40 mg and
leads to inhibition of gastric acid secretion.
Pharmacodynamics
Antisecretory Activity
The effect of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release
capsules on intragastric pH was determined in patients with symptomatic
gastroesophageal reflux disease in two separate studies. In the first study of 36
patients, esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg and 20 mg delayed-release capsules were
administered over 5 days. The results are shown in the Table 3:
Table 3: Effect on Intragastric pH on Day 5 (N = 36)
Parameter |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
% Time Gastric |
70%* |
53% |
pH > 4† (Hours) |
(16.8 h) |
(12.7 h) |
Coefficient of variation |
26% |
37% |
Median 24 Hour pH |
4.9* |
4.1 |
Coefficient of variation |
16% |
27% |
*p < 0.01 esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release
capsules 4 0 mg vs. esomeprazole magnesium delayedrelease capsules 20 mg.
†Gastric pH was measured over a 24 -hour period. |
In a second study, the effect on intragastric pH of
esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg administered once daily
over a 5 day period was similar to the first study, (% time with pH > 4 was
68% or 16.3 hours).
Serum Gastrin Effects
The effect of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release
capsules on serum gastrin concentrations was evaluated in approximately 2,700
patients in clinical trials up to 8 weeks and in over 1,300 patients for up to
6 to 12 months. The mean fasting gastrin level increased in a dose-related
manner. This increase reached a plateau within 2 to 3 months of therapy and
returned to baseline levels within 4 weeks after discontinuation of therapy.
Increased gastrin causes enterochromaffin-like cell
hyperplasia and increased serum Chromogranin A (CgA) levels. The increased CgA
levels may cause false positive results in diagnostic investigations for
neuroendocrine tumors. Healthcare providers should temporarily stop
esomeprazole treatment at least 14 days before assessing CgA levels and
consider repeating the test if initial CgA levels are high.
Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) Cell Effects
In 24-month carcinogenicity studies of omeprazole in
rats, a dose-related significant occurrence of gastric ECL cell carcinoid
tumors and ECL cell hyperplasia was observed in both male and female animals [see
Nonclinical Toxicology]. Carcinoid tumors have also been observed in
rats subjected to fundectomy or long-term treatment with other proton pump
inhibitors or high doses of H2 -receptor antagonists.
Human gastric biopsy specimens have been obtained from
more than 3,000 patients (both children and adults) treated with omeprazole in
long-term clinical trials. The incidence of ECL cell hyperplasia in these
studies increased with time; however, no case of ECL cell carcinoids,
dysplasia, or neoplasia has been found in these patients.
In over 1,000 patients treated with esomeprazole
magnesium delayed-release capsules (10 mg/day, 20 mg/day or 40 mg/day) up to 6
to 12 months, the prevalence of ECL cell hyperplasia increased with time and
dose. No patient developed ECL cell carcinoids, dysplasia, or neoplasia in the
gastric mucosa.
Endocrine Effects
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules had no
effect on thyroid function when given in oral doses of 20 mg or 40 mg for 4
weeks. Other effects of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules on the
endocrine system were assessed using omeprazole studies. Omeprazole given in
oral doses of 30 mg or 40 mg for 2 to 4 weeks had no effect on carbohydrate metabolism, circulating levels of parathyroid hormone, cortisol, estradiol,
testosterone, prolactin, cholecystokinin, or secretin.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules contain
an enteric-coated pellet formulation of esomeprazole magnesium. After oral
administration peak plasma levels (Cmax) occur at approximately 1.5 hours (Tmax).
The Cmax increases proportionally when the dose is increased, and there is a
3-fold increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC)
from 20 mg to 40 mg. At repeated once daily dosing with 40 mg, the systemic
bioavailability is approximately 90% compared to 64% after a single dose of 40
mg. The mean exposure (AUC) to esomeprazole increases from 4.32 μmol*hr/L
on Day 1 to 11.2 μmol*hr/L on Day 5 after 40 mg once daily dosing.
The AUC after administration of a single 40 mg dose of
esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules is decreased by 43% to 53%
after food intake compared to fasting conditions. Esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules should be taken at least one hour before meals.
The pharmacokinetic profile of esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules was determined in 36 patients with symptomatic
gastroesophageal reflux disease following repeated once daily administration of
20 mg and 40 mg capsules of esomeprazole over a period of 5 days. The results
are shown in the Table 4:
Table 4: Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Esomeprazole on
Day 5 Following Oral Dosing for 5 Days
Parameter* (CV) |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
AUC (μmol•h/L) |
12.6 (42%) |
4.2 (59%) |
Cmax (μmol/L) |
4.7 (37%) |
2.1 (45%) |
Tmax (h) |
1.6 |
1.6 |
t½ (h) |
1.5 |
1.2 |
*Values represent the geometric mean, except the T which
is the arithmetic mean; CV = Coefficient of variation. |
Distribution
Esomeprazole is 97% bound to plasma proteins. Plasma
protein binding is constant over the concentration range of 2 to 20
μmol/L. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state in healthy volunteers
is approximately 16 L.
Metabolism
Esomeprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver by
the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system. The metabolites of esomeprazole lack
antisecretory activity. The major part of esomeprazole's metabolism is
dependent upon the CYP2C19 isoenzyme, which forms the hydroxy and desmethyl metabolites.
The remaining amount is dependent on CYP3A4 which forms the sulphone
metabolite. CYP2C19 isoenzyme exhibits polymorphism in the metabolism of
esomeprazole, since some 3% of Caucasians and 15% to 20% of Asians lack CYP2C19
and are termed Poor Metabolizers. At steady state, the ratio of AUC in Poor
Metabolizers to AUC in the rest of the population (Extensive Metabolizers) is
approximately 2.
Following administration of equimolar doses, the S- and
R-isomers are metabolized differently by the liver, resulting in higher plasma
levels of the S- than of the R-isomer.
Excretion
The plasma elimination half-life of esomeprazole is approximately
1 to 1.5 hours. Less than 1% of parent drug is excreted in the urine.
Approximately 80% of an oral dose of esomeprazole is excreted as inactive
metabolites in the urine, and the remainder is found as inactive metabolites in
the feces.
Pharmacokinetics
Concomitant Use With Clopidogrel
Results from a cross-over study in healthy subjects have
shown a pharmacokinetic interaction between clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose/75
mg daily maintenance dose) and esomeprazole (40 mg p.o. once daily) when co-administered
for 30 days. Exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel was reduced by
35% to 40% over this time period. Pharmacodynamic parameters were also measured
and demonstrated that the change in inhibition of platelet aggregation was
related to the change in the exposure to clopidogrel active metabolite.
Concomitant Use with Mycophenolate Mofetil
Administration of omeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 4 days
and a single 1000 mg dose of MMF approximately one hour after the last dose of
omeprazole to 12 healthy subjects in a cross-over study resulted in a 52%
reduction in the Cmax and 23% reduction in the AUC of MPA.
Special Populations
Geriatric
The AUC and Cmax values were slightly higher (25% and
18%, respectively) in the elderly as compared to younger subjects at steady
state. Dosage adjustment based on age is not necessary.
1 to 11 Years of Age
The pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole were studied in
pediatric patients with GERD aged 1 to 11 years. Following once daily dosing
for 5 days, the total exposure (AUC) for the 10 mg dose in patients aged 6 to
11 years was similar to that seen with the 20 mg dose in adults and adolescents
aged 12 to 17 years. The total exposure for the 10 mg dose in patients aged 1
to 5 years was approximately 30% higher than the 10 mg dose in patients aged 6
to 11 years. The total exposure for the 20 mg dose in patients aged 6 to 11
years was higher than that observed with the 20 mg dose in 12 to 17 year-olds
and adults, but lower than that observed with the 40 mg dose in 12 to 17
year-olds and adults. See Table 6.
Table 6: Summary of PK Parameters in 1 to 11 Year Olds
with GERD following 5 Days of Once Daily Oral Esomeprazole Treatment
Parameter |
1 to 5 Year Olds10 mg
(N = 8) |
6 to 11 Year Olds |
10 mg
(N = 7) |
20 mg
(N = 6) |
AUC (μmol*h/L)* |
4.83 |
3.70 |
6.28 |
Cmax (μmol/L)* |
2.98 |
1.77 |
3.73 |
tmax (h)† |
1.44 |
1.79 |
1.75 |
t½λz (h)* |
0.74 |
0.88 |
0.73 |
Cl/F (L/h)* |
5.99 |
7.84 |
9.22 |
*Geometric mean.
†Arithmetic mean. |
12 to 17 Years of Age
The pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole were studied in 28
adolescent patients with GERD aged 12 to 17 years inclusive, in a single center
study. Patients were randomized to receive esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 8 days. Mean Cmax and
AUC values of esomeprazole were not affected by body weight or age; and more
than dose-proportional increases in mean Cmax and AUC values were observed
between the two dose groups in the study. Overall, esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsule pharmacokinetics in adolescent patients aged 12 to 17
years were similar to those observed in adult patients with symptomatic GERD.
See Table 7.
Table 7: Comparison of PK Parameters in 12 to 17 Year
Olds with GERD and Adults with Symptomatic GERD Following the Repeated Daily
Oral Dose Administration of Esomeprazole*
|
12 to 17 Year Olds
(N = 28) |
Adults
(N = 36) |
20 mg |
40 mg |
20 mg |
40 mg |
AUC (μmol*h/L) |
3.65 |
13.86 |
4.2 |
12.6 |
Cmax (μmol/L) |
1.45 |
5.13 |
2.1 |
4.7 |
tmax (h) |
2.00 |
1.75 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
t½λz (h) |
0.82 |
1.22 |
1.2 |
1.5 |
Data presented are geometric means for AUC, C max and t½
λz , and median value for tmax
*Duration of treatment for 12 to 17 year olds and adults were 8 days and 5 days,
respectively. Data were obtained from two independent studies. |
Gender
The AUC and C values were slightly higher (13%) in
females than in males at steady state. Dosage adjustment based on gender is not
necessary.
Hepatic Insufficiency
The steady state pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole
obtained after administration of 40 mg once daily to 4 patients each with mild
(Child Pugh A), moderate (Child Pugh Class B), and severe (Child Pugh Class C)
liver insufficiency were compared to those obtained in 36 male and female GERD
patients with normal liver function. In patients with mild and moderate hepatic
insufficiency, the AUCs were within the range that could be expected in
patients with normal liver function. In patients with severe hepatic insufficiency
the AUCs were 2 to 3 times higher than in the patients with normal liver
function. No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to
moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child Pugh Classes A and B). However, in
patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child Pugh Class C) a dose of 20 mg
once daily should not be exceeded [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Renal Insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules in patients with renal impairment are not expected to
be altered relative to healthy volunteers as less than 1% of esomeprazole is
excreted unchanged in urine.
Other Pharmacokinetic Observations
Co-administration of oral contraceptives, diazepam,
phenytoin, or quinidine did not seem to change the pharmacokinetic profile of
esomeprazole.
Studies evaluating concomitant administration of
esomeprazole and either naproxen (non-selective NSAID) or rofecoxib (COX-2
selective NSAID) did not identify any clinically relevant changes in the pharmacokinetic
profiles of esomeprazole or these NSAIDs.
Microbiology
Effects On Gastrointestinal Microbial Ecology
Decreased gastric acidity due to any means, including
proton pump inhibitors, increases gastric counts of bacteria normally present
in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to
slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter
and possibly Clostridium difficile in hospitalized patients.
Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology
Reproduction Studies
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at oral
doses up to 280 mg/kg/day (about 68 times an oral human dose of 40 mg on a body
surface area basis) and in rabbits at oral doses up to 86 mg/kg/day (about 42
times an oral human dose of 40 mg on a body surface area basis) and have
revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to
esomeprazole [see Use in Specific Populations].
Juvenile Animal Study
A 28-day toxicity study with a 14-day recovery phase was
conducted in juvenile rats with esomeprazole magnesium at doses of 70 mg/kg/day
to 280 mg/kg/day (about 17 to 68 times a daily oral human dose of 40 mg on a
body surface area basis). An increase in the number of deaths at the high dose
of 280 mg/kg/day was observed when juvenile rats were administered esomeprazole
magnesium from postnatal day 7 through postnatal day 35. In addition, doses
equal to or greater than 140 mg/kg/day (about 34 times a daily oral human dose
of 40 mg on a body surface area basis), produced treatment-related decreases in
body weight (approximately 14%) and body weight gain, decreases in femur weight
and femur length, and affected overall growth. Comparable findings described
above have also been observed in this study with another esomeprazole salt,
esomeprazole strontium, at equimolar doses of esomeprazole.
Clinical Studies
Healing Of Erosive Esophagitis
The healing rates of esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules 40 mg, esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules
20 mg, and omeprazole 20 mg (the approved dose for this indication) were
evaluated in patients with endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis in four
multicenter, double-blind, randomized studies. The healing rates at Weeks 4 and
8 were evaluated and are shown in the Table 9:
Table 9: Erosive Esophagitis Healing Rate (Life-Table
Analysis )
Study |
No. of Patients |
Treatment Groups |
Week 4 |
Week 8 |
Significance Level* |
1 |
588 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
68.7% |
90.6% |
N.S. |
588 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
69.5% |
88.3% |
|
2 |
654 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
75.9% |
94.1% |
p < 0.001 |
656 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
70.5% |
89.9% |
p < 0.05 |
650 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
64.7% |
86.9% |
|
3 |
576 572 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
71.5% |
92.2% |
N.S. |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
68.6% |
89.8% |
|
4 |
1,216 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
81.7% |
93.7% |
p < 0.001 |
1,209 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
68.7% |
84.2% |
|
N.S. = not significant (p > 0.05).
*log-rank test vs. omeprazole 20 mg. |
In these same studies of patients with erosive
esophagitis, sustained heartburn resolution and time to sustained heartburn
resolution were evaluated and are shown in the Table 10:
Table 10: Sustained Resolution* of Heartburn (Erosive
Esophagitis Patients)
Study |
No. of Patients |
Treatment Groups |
Cumulative Percent† with Sustained Resolution |
Day 14 |
Day 28 |
Significance Level‡ |
1 |
573 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
64.3% |
72.7% |
N.S. |
555 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
64.1% |
70.9% |
|
2 |
621 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
64.8% |
74.2% |
p < 0.001 |
620 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
62.9% |
70.1% |
N.S. |
626 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
56.5% |
66.6% |
|
3 |
568 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
65.4% |
73.9% |
N.S. |
551 |
Omeprazole 20 mg |
65.5% |
73.1% |
|
4 |
1,187 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
67.6% |
75.1% |
p < 0.001 |
1,188 |
Omeprazole 20 |
62.5% |
70.8% |
|
*Defined as 7 consecutive days with no heartburn reported
in daily patient diary.
†Defined as the cumulative proportion of patients who have reached the start of
sustained resolution.
‡log-rank test vs. omeprazole 20 mg. |
In these four studies, the range of median days to the
start of sustained resolution (defined as 7 consecutive days with no heartburn)
was 5 days for esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg, 7 to 8
days for esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 20 mg and 7 to 9 days
for omeprazole 20 mg.
There are no comparisons of 40 mg of esomeprazole
magnesium delayed-release capsules with 40 mg of omeprazole in clinical trials
assessing either healing or symptomatic relief of erosive esophagitis.
Long-Term Maintenance Of Healing Of Erosive Esophagitis
Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind
placebo-controlled 4-arm trials were conducted in patients with endoscopically
confirmed, healed erosive esophagitis to evaluate esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release
capsules 40 mg (n = 174), 20 mg (n = 180), 10 mg (n = 168) or placebo (n = 171)
once daily over 6 months of treatment.
No additional clinical benefit was seen with esomeprazole
magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg over esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules 20 mg.
The percentages of patients that maintained healing of
erosive esophagitis at the various time points are shown in the Figures 2 and
3:
Figure 2: Maintenance of Healing Rates by Month (Study
177)
Figure 3: Maintenance of Healing Rates by Month (Study
178)
Patients remained in remission significantly longer and
the number of recurrences of erosive esophagitis was significantly less in
patients treated with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules compared
to placebo.
In both studies, the proportion of patients on
esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules who remained in remission and
were free of heartburn and other GERD symptoms was well differentiated from
placebo.
In a third multicenter open label study of 808 patients
treated for 12 months with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 40
mg, the percentage of patients that maintained healing of erosive esophagitis
was 93.7% for 6 months and 89.4% for 1 year.
Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled studies were conducted in a total of 717 patients comparing
4 weeks of treatment with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 20 mg
or 40 mg once daily versus placebo for resolution of GERD symptoms. Patients
had ≥ 6-month history of heartburn episodes, no erosive esophagitis by
endoscopy, and heartburn on at least 4 of the 7 days immediately preceding
randomization.
The percentage of patients that were symptom-free of
heartburn was significantly higher in the esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsule groups compared to placebo at all follow-up visits (Weeks
1, 2, and 4).
No additional clinical benefit was seen with esomeprazole
magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg over esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules 20 mg.
The percent of patients symptom-free of heartburn by day
are shown in the Figures 4 and 5:
Figure 4 : Percent of Patients Symptom-Free of
Heartburn by Day (Study 225)
Figure 5: Percent of Patients Symptom-Free of
Heartburn by Day (Study 226)
In three European symptomatic GERD trials, esomeprazole
magnesium delayed-release capsules 20 mg and 40 mg and omeprazole 20 mg were
evaluated. No significant treatment-related differences were seen.
Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
1 to 11 Years of Age
In a multicenter, parallel-group study, 109 pediatric
patients with a history of endoscopically-proven GERD (1 to 11 years of age; 53
female; 89 Caucasian, 19 Black, 1 Other) were treated with esomeprazole once
daily for up to 8 weeks to evaluate safety and tolerability. Dosing by patient
weight was as follows:
weight < 20 kg: once daily treatment with esomeprazole
5 mg or 10 mg
weight > 20 kg: once daily treatment with esomeprazole
10 mg or 20 mg
Patients were endoscopically characterized as to the
presence or absence of erosive esophagitis.
Of the 109 patients, 53 had erosive esophagitis at
baseline (51 had mild, 1 moderate, and 1 severe esophagitis). Although most of
the patients who had a follow-up endoscopy at the end of 8 weeks of treatment
healed, spontaneous healing cannot be ruled out because these patients had low
grade erosive esophagitis prior to treatment, and the trial did not include a
concomitant control.
12 to 17 Years of Age
In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind,
parallel-group study, 149 adolescent patients (12 to 17 years of age; 89
female; 124 Caucasian, 15 Black, 10 Other) with clinically diagnosed GERD were
treated with either esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 20 mg or
esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg once daily for up to 8
weeks to evaluate safety and tolerability. Patients were not endoscopically
characterized as to the presence or absence of erosive esophagitis.
Risk Reduction Of NSAID-Associated Gastric Ulcer
Two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies
were conducted in patients at risk of developing gastric and/or duodenal ulcers
associated with continuous use of non-selective and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. A
total of 1,429 patients were randomized across the 2 studies. Patients ranged
in age from 19 to 89 (median age 66.0 years) with 70.7% female, 29.3% male,
82.9% Caucasian, 5.5% Black, 3.7% Asian, and 8.0% Others. At baseline, the
patients in these studies were endoscopically confirmed not to have ulcers but
were determined to be at risk for ulcer occurrence due to their age ( ≥ 60
years) and/or history of a documented gastric or duodenal ulcer within the past
5 years. Patients receiving NSAIDs and treated with esomeprazole magnesium
delayed-release capsules 20 mg or 40 mg once-a-day experienced significant
reduction in gastric ulcer occurrences relative to placebo treatment at 26
weeks. See Table 11. No additional benefit was seen with esomeprazole magnesium
delayedrelease capsules 40 mg over esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release
capsules 20 mg. These studies did not demonstrate significant reduction in the
development of NSAID-associated duodenal ulcer due to the low incidence.
Table 11: Cumulative Percentage of Patients without
Gastric Ulcers at 26 Weeks :
Study |
No. of Patients |
Treatment Groups |
% of Patients Remaining Gastric Ulcer Free * |
1 |
191 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20 mg |
95.4 |
194 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
96.7 |
184 |
Placebo |
88.2 |
2 |
267 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 20mg |
94.7 |
271 |
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg |
95.3 |
257 |
Placebo |
83.3 |
*% = Life Table Estimate. Significant difference from
placebo (p < 0.01). |
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions Including
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
In a multicenter, open-label dose-escalation study of 21
patients (15 males and 6 females, 18 Caucasian and 3 Black, mean age of 55.5
years) with pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger- Ellison
Syndrome, esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules significantly
inhibited gastric acid secretion. Initial dose was 40 mg twice daily in 19/21
patients and 80 mg twice daily in 2/21 patients. Total daily doses ranging from
80 mg to 240 mg for 12 months maintained gastric acid output below the target
levels of 10 mEq/h in patients without prior gastric acid-reducing surgery and
below 5 mEq/hr in patients with prior gastric acid-reducing surgery. At the
Month 12 final visit, 18/20 (90%) patients had Basal Acid Output (BAO) under
satisfactory control (median BAO = 0.17 mmol/hr). Of the 18 patients evaluated
with a starting dose of 40 mg twice daily, 13 (72%) had their BAO controlled
with the original dosing regimen at the final visit. See Table 13.
Table 13: Adequate Acid Suppression at Final Vis it by
Dose Regimen
Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsule Dose at the Month 12 Visit |
BAO Under Adequate Control at the Month 12 Visit
(N = 20)* |
40 mg twice daily |
13/15 |
80 mg twice daily |
4/4 |
80 mg three times daily |
1/1 |
*One patient was not evaluated. |