Bioavailability, safety, and pharmacodynamics of delayed-release dexlansoprazole administered as two 30 mg orally disintegrating tablets or one 60 mg capsule

BACKGROUND: Dual delayed-release dexlansoprazole is approved for use in adults as a 30 mg orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) or as 30 mg and 60 mg capsules. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs were compared with one dexlansoprazole 60 mg capsule in this randomized, phase I, open-label, single-center, multiple-dose, two-period crossover study. METHODS: Participants were randomized in one of two treatment sequences, each comprised two 5-day treatment periods during which two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs or one 60 mg capsule was administered once daily. Pharmacokinetic parameters and the mean intragastric pH profile for the 24-hour period after dosing on days 1 and 5 were described. Adverse events were monitored during study duration and followed up with a phone call 5–10 days after the last dose of study drug. RESULTS: On day 1, peak observed plasma concentration (C(max)) values were similar between two 30 mg ODTs (1047 ng/ml) and one 60 mg capsule (1164 ng/ml). Systemic exposure, measured by the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), was approximately 25% lower after ODT administration. On day 5, mean pH after daily doses of two 30 mg ODT or one 60 mg capsule was 4.33 and 4.36, respectively; both regimens maintained intragastric pH above 4.0 for 60% of the 24-hour period. Headache was the most commonly reported adverse event (observed in 19.2% of participants); no adverse events leading to study withdrawal occurred. CONCLUSIONS: While systemic exposure (AUC) was 25% lower with ODT, peak concentrations (C(max)) after administration of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs and one 60 mg capsule were similar. The 24-hour intragastric pH control after administration of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs was equivalent to one dexlansoprazole 60 mg capsule. Both ODT and capsule were well tolerated.