Lansoprazole oro-dispersible tablet : pharmacokinetics and therapeutic use in acid-related disorders.

Lansoprazole is an H+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for management of acid-related disorders. Lansoprazole has been reformulated as an oro-dispersible tablet (LODT) that quickly dissolves in the mouth without water. In healthy adults the safety and bioavailability of LODT 15-30 mg, taken without water or dispersed in water, were found to be comparable with those of lansoprazole 15-30 mg capsules. Moreover, the bioavailability of LODT administered without water has been found to be similar to that of water-dispersed LODT given via a nasogastric tube. In a clinical study, the vast majority of patients found the mouth feel of LODT acceptable and almost all found it easy to take. A comparison of LODT with esomeprazole in a small group of patients with non-erosive reflux disease showed similar decreases in symptoms from baseline and no significant difference between groups. In conclusion, LODT is effective, bioequivalent to the capsule formulation and acceptable to patients. LODT offers an alternative dose administration method to all patients requiring a PPI, especially those who have difficulty swallowing, and may increase patient convenience and compliance.