Effect of splitting the dose of esomeprazole on gastric acidity and nocturnal acid breakthrough

Background: Twice-daily dosing is increasingly used to improve gastric acid control, although not all proton-pump inhibitors are more effective when doses are split. Standard dose esomeprazole provides better gastric acid control than other standard dose proton-pump inhibitors. Aims: To compare the effect of standard dose esomeprazole (1 x 40 mg) with 20 mg b.d. on gastric acidity. Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects participated in this crossover study, receiving esomeprazole 2 x 20 mg and 1 x 40 mg for 7 days in random order with a washout period of at least 7 days. Gastric 24-h pH was measured on days 1, 2 and 6. Results: Median gastric 24-h pH was higher during 2 x 20 mg esomeprazole on day 2 (P < 0.01), no differences were detected on day 6. Night-time gastric acid suppression was significantly improved by 2 x 20 mg esomeprazole on all study days (P < 0.05). Nocturnal acid breakthrough was observed on all study days in subjects receiving 1 x 40 mg, but in only 85% (first night), 64% (second night), and 45% of subjects (sixth night) with 2 x 20 mg (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Splitting the esomeprazole dose improves initial acid suppression, this effect starts at the first night. Maximal benefit is achieved on day 2, while the effect on night-time acid control is detectable during the entire first week of treatment.