Dexlansoprazole is Effective in Relieving Heartburn during the Fasting Month of Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims practice daily fasting from dawn to sunset. This commitment changes their daily food routine in terms of number of meals, quantity of caloric intake, and types of food consumed.

This change in consumption patterns during Ramadan has an effect on metabolism and weight, sleeping patterns, and possibly gastric accommodation and emptying.

During this month, patients suffering from GERD may have suboptimal relief of their symptoms with once-daily PPI dose. Along with dyspepsia, bloating, and indigestion, peptic ulcers and duodenitis have also been reported to increase during the month of Ramadan

Dexlansoprazole has a unique active formulation independent of time-of-day dosing or food.

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The aim is to investigate the efficacy of Dexlansoprazole 60 mg taken once daily at iftar during Ramadan in patients with symptomatic heartburn.

Dexlansoprazole modified release, the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole, is approved for the management of erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease. Dexlansoprazole has a unique dual delayed-release delivery system, with 2 separate pH-dependent release phases.

A critical consideration in Ramadan is that patients who have breakthrough symptoms during the fasting period of the day do not have the option to consume antacids or on-demand medications and there lies the importance of prolonged acid suppression during this period.

In this study, authors show that dexlansoprazole has a significant effect in reducing heartburn symptoms during the Ramadan month. The rapid onset of relief shortly after starting treatment in the second week of Ramadan is evidenced by significant improvement.

Importantly, the response to Dexlansoprazole continued to improve over time shown by further benefit in week 4 compared to week 2.

These results support the role of a PPI with an advanced mode of action and release in patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux during the Ramadan month.

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CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of Dexlansoprazole 60 mg in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux during the fasting month of Ramadan. The rapid onset of symptomatic relief and the continued and sustained improvement during the treatment period support the use of Dexlansoprazole in such patients.

Dexlansoprazole is effective in reducing heartburn symptoms in participants who fast during Ramadan.

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Abstract

Aims: The aim is to investigate the efficacy of dexlansoprazole 60 mg during Ramadan in patients with symptomatic heartburn.

Methods: Subjects recruited using poster, radio, and SMS advertisements completed a diary using a mobile-friendly application and received daily SMS reminders. Dexlansoprazole was started on day 8 for 3 weeks. No placebo arm was used in this trial. Primary endpoint was relief of heartburn expressed as mean 24-h free heartburn percentage (24FH%) per weekly period.

Results: A total of 32 patients were enrolled. During week 1, only 1 person (3.1%) was heartburn-free and mean 24FH% was 41.1 ± 24.8%. On dexlansoprazole, mean 24FH% rose to 63.4 ± 23.8 and 81.6 ± 24.5% in weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Median 24FH% increased from 35.7% in week 1 to 71.4 and 85.7% in weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Mean Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) scores decreased from 10.0 ± 3.2 in week 1 to 6.53 ± 2.2 in week 2 and 5.87 ± 2.1 in week 4. Mean heartburn severity score decreased from 2.5 ± 1.0 to 1.7 ± 0.8. Early response was higher in patients with GERDQ scores ≥8.

Conclusion: Dexlansoprazole is effective in the treatment of heartburn during Ramadan.

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