Major research findings

Esomeprazole is the S-enantiomer of omeprazole, which has favorable pharmacokinetic and acid-suppressing properties in humans. However, the pharmacokinetics and effects of esomeprazole on intragastric pH in dogs have not been reported. 3

A study investigating the pharmacokinetics and effects of esomeprazole on intragastric pH after intravenous, subcutaneous, and oral administration found that esomeprazole showed good bioavailability in dogs after both oral and subcutaneous administration, with a half-life of approximately 1 hour. 3

Regardless of the route of administration, esomeprazole significantly increased intragastric pH. 3

A study of a 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg daily for frequent heartburn showed that the effects lasted and there was no symptomatic rebound after cessation of treatment. 2

A comparison of the acid-suppressing effects of low-dose esomeprazole and famotidine in healthy subjects showed that esomeprazole was at least as effective as famotidine in suppressing gastric acid secretion. 4

A study comparing the effects of single doses of rabeprazole 20 mg and esomeprazole 40 mg on 24-hour intragastric pH in healthy subjects found no significant difference in mean intragastric pH between the two drugs over 24 hours. 1

Benefits and Risks

Benefit summary

Esomeprazole has been shown to have good bioavailability in dogs after both oral and subcutaneous administration, with a half-life of approximately 1 hour. It also significantly increased intragastric pH in dogs regardless of the route of administration. Additionally, in humans, esomeprazole has been found to be effective for treating frequent heartburn, and the effects lasted without symptomatic rebound after cessation of treatment. Esomeprazole was also found to be at least as effective as famotidine in suppressing gastric acid secretion.

Risk summary

No adverse effects were observed in the studies. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before using any medication, as side effects can vary from person to person.

Comparison of studies

Similarities between studies

All studies showed that esomeprazole effectively suppressed gastric acid secretion and increased intragastric pH.

Differences between studies

The studies differed in terms of the route of administration, dose, duration of administration, and evaluation criteria. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting the results.

Consistency and discrepancies in the results

The results of these studies are consistent in showing that esomeprazole has a beneficial effect in suppressing gastric acid secretion and increasing intragastric pH. However, further research is needed to understand the duration of esomeprazole’s effects and its mechanisms.

Points to note regarding application to real life

Esomeprazole is widely used to treat gastric acid-related diseases such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, since these studies are based on animal experiments and limited trials in humans, esomeprazole should be used cautiously in clinical settings.

Limitations of current research

These studies have a small sample size and did not include patients with specific diseases, so the results cannot be generalized. Further research is also needed on the long-term effects and side effects of esomeprazole.

Directions for future research

Further research is needed to investigate the duration of esomeprazole's effects and its mechanisms, as well as its long-term effects and side effects, and its effects in different diseases. Moreover, since these studies are based on animal experiments and limited trials in humans, esomeprazole should be used cautiously in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Esomeprazole has been shown to have effective acid-suppressing effects in both dogs and humans. Regardless of the route of administration, esomeprazole significantly increased intragastric pH and was effective for treating frequent heartburn with lasting effects and no symptomatic rebound after cessation of treatment. However, further research is needed to understand the duration of esomeprazole's effects and its mechanisms. Esomeprazole should be used cautiously in clinical settings, and further research should investigate the long-term effects and side effects of esomeprazole, as well as its effects in different diseases.