Esomeprazole tablet vs omeprazole capsule in treating erosive esophagitis

Aim: 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). Conclusion: Esomeprazole 40 mg is an effective and safe drug at least comparable to omeprazole in treating Chinese EE patients.