Study objective: To determine the in vitro stability of esomeprazole pellets from an opened capsule after suspension in various common soft foods and beverages.
Design: In vitro study.
Setting: Pharmaceutical company research laboratory.
Measurements and main results: Pellets from opened esomeprazole 20-mg capsules were suspended in 100 ml of tap water, milk (1.5% fat), orange juice, apple juice, yogurt, or cultured milk for 30 minutes, then added to 500 ml of hydrochloric acid to simulate gastric acid exposure. After a 2-hour incubation, the mixture was filtered through a sieve, and the collected pellets were dissolved in an alkaline solution. Esomeprazole concentrations were measured using reverse-phase liquid chromatography The stability of the esomeprazole pellets exceeded 98% in all beverages and soft foods except milk.
Conclusion: Administration of the pellets from an opened esomeprazole capsule shortly after suspending them in tap water, yogurt, cultured milk, orange juice, or apple juice may be a practical alternative for patients who cannot swallow an intact capsule. Bioavailability studies comparing esomeprazole administered as an intact capsule to that of the pellets from an opened capsule suspended in these beverages or soft foods are recommended to confirm these findings.