Efficacy and safety comparative study of dexrabeprazole vs. esomeprazole for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

INTRODUCTION: A national survey in the general population showed that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of two isomers, dexrabeprazole (10 mg) vs. esomeprazole (20 mg), in the treatment of GERD for four weeks. METHODS: Randomized, multicenter, prospective, double-blind phase III clinical trial in two groups that included 230 patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the severity of GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain and dysphagia), evaluated using a visual analogue scale, was observed with both treatments. Mean score for dexrabeprazole on Carlsson-Dent questionnaire at 28 days was 2.12, and for esomeprazole, 3.02. Both treatments were effective, with no statistically significant difference being recorded (p < 0.05). On SF-36 health questionnaire, both were observed to improve the quality-of-life score, with no significant difference being identified. Both drugs were well tolerated, and the adverse event incidence profile was low. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of non-erosive GERD, the use of dexrabeprazole at 10 mg/day is as effective as esomeprazole 20 mg/day, with the advantage that the dose is lower with an appropriate safety profile.