Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been used for more than two decades to control symptoms of gastroesophageal illnesses. Studies have shown that most PPIs do not provide 24-h symptom control, and that can be the reason for treatment failure. Recently, dexlansoprazole dual delayed release (DDR) (Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., USA) under the trade name of Kapidex (Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan) came onto the market to provide longer duration of action and more effective acid suppression.
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pharmacology of dexlansoprazole DDR and to provide a concise review of all available studies showing its efficacy. The combination of the slower metabolism of the R-enantiomer and novel dual release pharmacokinetics is impressive.
Methods: This manuscript is based on a review of all currently available medical literature on dexlansoprazole DDR.
Conclusion: Dexlansoprazole DDR has the potential to outperform traditional PPIs based on the metabolism and novel pharmacokinetics. It is currently FDA approved for the treatment of erosive esophagitis (acute, maintenance) and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease.