Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg is a Product of the Generic Esomeprazole

What Is Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg Indications and Uses?

Mepal is indicated: To relieve from chronic heartburn symptoms and other symptoms associated with GERD For the healing of erosive esophagitis For maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis In combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with duodenal ulcer disease. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Acid related Dyspepsia Duodenal & Gastric ulcer

Pharmacology (Source, Chemical and Physical Composition) Of Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg

Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg (Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. Esomeprazole (S-isomer of omeprazole) is the first single optical isomer of proton pump inhibitor, provides better acid control than racemic proton pump inhibitors. Absorption : Esomeprazole capsules contain an enteric-coated pellet formulation of esomeprazole magnesium. After oral administration peak plasma levels (C max ) occur at approximately 1.5 hours (T max ). The C max increases proportionally when the dose is increased, and there is a three-fold increase in the area under the plasma ... Read more Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg (Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. Esomeprazole (S-isomer of omeprazole) is the first single optical isomer of proton pump inhibitor, provides better acid control than racemic proton pump inhibitors. Absorption : Esomeprazole capsules contain an enteric-coated pellet formulation of esomeprazole magnesium. After oral administration peak plasma levels (C max ) occur at approximately 1.5 hours (T max ). The C max increases proportionally when the dose is increased, and there is a three-fold increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from 20 to 40 mg. At repeated once daily dosing, the systemic bioavailability is approximately 90% compared to 64% after a single dose. The AUC after administration of a single dose of esomeprazole is decreased by 33-53% after food intake compared to fasting conditions. Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before meals. Distribution : Esomeprazole is 97% bound to plasma proteins. Plasma protein binding is constant over the concentration range of 2 20 mmol/L. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state in healthy volunteers is approximately 16 L. Metabolism : Esomeprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system. The metabolites of esomeprazole lack anti-secretory activity. The major part of esomeprazole’s metabolism is dependent upon the CYP2C19 isoenzyme, which forms the hydroxy and desmethyl metabolites. The remaining amount is dependent on CYP3A4 which forms the sulphone metabolite. Excretion : The plasma elimination half-life of esomeprazole is approximately 1–1.5 hours. Less than 1% of parent drug is excreted in the urine. Approximately 80% of an oral dose of esomeprazole is excreted as inactive metabolites in the urine, and the remainder is found as inactive metabolites in the faeces. Combination Therapy with Antimicrobials : Esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg once daily is given in combination with clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily for 7 days. The mean steady state AUC and Cmax of Esomeprazole increased by 70% and 18%, respectively, during triple combination therapy compared to treatment with Esomeprazole alone. The pharmacokinetic parameters for clarithromycin and amoxicillin are similar during triple combination therapy and administration of each drug alone. However, the mean AUC and Cmax for 14-hydroxyclarithromycin are increased by 19% and 22%, respectively, during triple combination therapy compared to treatment with clarithromycin alone. This increase in exposure to 14-hydroxyclarithromycin is not considered to be clinically significant.

Drug Interactions of Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg

Mepal is extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that Mepal is not likely to inhibit CYPs 1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4. No clinically relevant interactions with drugs metabolized by these CYP enzymes would be expected. Drug interaction studies have shown that Mepal does not have any clinically significant interactions with phenytoin, warfarin, quinidine, clarithromycin or amoxicillin. Mepal may potentially interfere with CYP2C19, the major Mepal metabolizing enzyme. Co-administration of Mepal 30 mg and diazepam, a CYP2C19 substrate has resulted in a 45% decrease in clearance of diazepam. Increased plasma levels of diazepam have been observed 12 hours after dosing and onwards. Mepal inhibits gastric acid secretion. Therefore, Mepal may interfere with the absorption of drugs where gastric pH is an important determinant of bioavailability (e.g., ketoconazole, iron salts and digoxin). Co-administration of oral contraceptives, diazepam, phenytoin, or quinidine do not seem to change the pharmacokinetic profile of Mepal. Combination Therapy with Clarithromycin: Co-administration of Mepal, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin has resulted in increases in the plasma levels of Mepal and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin.

Side Effects of Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg

The most frequently occurring adverse events reported with Mepal include headache, diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation and dry mouth. There are no difference in types of related adverse events seen during maintenance treatment upto 12 months compared to short term treatment.

Precautions And Warnings for Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg

General : Symptomatic response to therapy with Mepal does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Information for patients : Mepal capsules should be taken at least one hour before meals. For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can be added to an empty bowl and the Mepal capsules can be opened, and the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/applesauce mixture should not be stored for future use. Antacids may be used while taking Mepal.

Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have revealed no teratogenic effects. The excretion of Mepal Tablet (Enteric Coated) EC Tablet 20 mg (Esomeprazole) in milk has not been studied. Breast-feeding should be therefore be discontinued if the use of esomeprazole is considered essential.

Storage Conditions of It

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.