Interchangeable Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Based on Relative Potency

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Jun;16(6):800-808.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.09.033. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, their relative potency and ideal dosing regimens remain unclear. We analyzed data from randomized clinical trials that performed pH testing in patients receiving solid-dose PPI formulations (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) for a minimum of 5 days. We used omeprazole equivalency and the surrogate biomarker, percentage time pH > 4 over a 24-hour period (pH4time), to compare PPI effectiveness for different PPIs given once, twice, or 3 times daily. We found that increasing strength of once-daily PPIs (9-64 mg omeprazole equivalents) increased pH4time linearly from approximately 10.0 to 15.6 hours; higher doses produced no further increase in pH4time. Increasing the frequency to twice-daily PPI increased pH4time linearly, from approximately 15.8 to 21.0 hours. Three-times daily PPIs performed similarly to twice-daily PPIs. The costs of PPIs varied greatly, but the cost variation was not directly related to potency. We conclude that PPIs can be used interchangeably based on potency. Using twice-daily PPIs is more effective in increasing efficacy increasing once-daily PPI dosage. Omeprazole and lansoprazole (30 mg) and 20 mg of esomeprazole rabeprazole are functionally equivalent.

Keywords: Drug; Efficacy Comparison; GERD; Reflux; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors