Pharmacokinetic and Safety of Dexlansoprazole in Adolescents With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition of multifactorial etiology resulting in the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. The prevalence of Gastroesophageal reflux disease in the pediatric population is becoming increasingly recognized and documented. It is a chronic disease that can persist through adulthood with symptoms in older children and adolescents being similar to those seen in adults. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease increases with age, from 2.5% of children between the ages of 3 and 9 years, to 8.5% of those between the ages of 10 and 17 years. Younger children generally present with extra-esophageal manifestations, regurgitation, and epigastric pain, while older children and adolescents typically present with adult-type gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease is aimed at alleviating symptoms and healing the esophageal inflammation. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of dexlansoprazole MR in the pediatric population (ages 12-17) and determined if the pharmacokinetic profile is similar to that in adults given the same dose.