New Medication Kapidex Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Almost 19 million Americans have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease 13 whic occurs when stomach acid and juices flow backwards into the esophagus due to abnormal function of the esophageal sphincter (LES). 1 Kapidex is new drug for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and for erosive esophagitis 11 Primary symptom of GERD heartburn or chest pain usually more than twice a week. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease may lead to serious health concerns. 2 Change in lifestyle may prevent or reduce the incidences of acid reflux disease: Eating smaller portions of food throughout the day, exercise, relaxation techniques including yoga and meditation, besides maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Also taking herbs that provides relief from GERD and indigestion. 3

The esophageal sphincter a circular brand of muscle located a few centimeters end of the esophagus (Extends about ten inches long and functions to push food down into the stomach by the contraction of the esophagus muscular walls. 4). Normally the esophageal sphincter prevents stomach contents from backing-up into the esophagus. 5 When Gastroesophageal Reflux disease occurs, the esophageal sphincter does not sufficiently close or relaxes at the wrong time, acidic stomach contents moves back ward into the esophagus. Most common symptom of GERD is heartburn besides feeling a burning sensation in the chest, neck and throat, virtually after every meal. 6 The stomach is not affected by the acidic content, protected by a thick layer of mucus. 8 Fluid from the stomach may back up through the esophagus and reach the behind the mouth (acid indigestion). 7: Sour and bitter taste in the mouth 8 More than half of GERD patients have non-erosive type of GERD (Nonreosive Reflux Disease): Symptoms of acid reflux disease and no esophageal injury, compared to less than half GERD patients experiencing inflammation, swelling or irritation of the esophagus.. 7 Erosive damage to the esophagus may cause bleeding and ulcers in the esophagus. 8 "Some people develop Barrett's esophagus, where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color, which over time can lead to cancer." 2 Medical intervention including surgery, required when GERD cause scar tissue or fibrosis in the lower esophagus, preventing or inhibiting the ability to swallow. 8

Factors and conditions linked to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Poor diet, eating large meals, surgical damage to the lower esophageal sphincter, pregnancy, obesity, alcohol use, smoking and esophagitis ("Esophagitis is a condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed (swollen, irritated and red)). 9

Babies diagnosed with GERD normally outgrow this medical condition by one or two years old. When neurological or development problems occur early in life, such as cerebral palsy, enhance the risk for developing severe and lasting symptoms of acid reflux disease up to two hours after a meal. "Infants and young children GERD can lead to problems during and after feeding, including": Failure to gain weight, wet hiccups, spitting up continues beyond the first year of life, continuous crying or irritability after eating, wheezing or choking, and frequent vomiting after a meal. 6

In February 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of Takeda Pharmaceutical (America 12) company Kapidex, proton pump inhibitor ("Proton pump inhibitors are a group of drugs whose main actions is a pronounced and long - lasting reduction of gastric acid production." 10): Capsule medication is swallowed but not chewed or crushed once a day (with or without food), providing a delayed release capsules treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis. The drug maker recommends taking the medication regularly at the same time each day. The dosage of Kepidex (30 mg and 60 mg) depends upon the how the patient responds to the medication, medical conditions, and other medications being taken. 12 Based upon a global study of nearly 6,000 GERD patients, Kapidex successful treated erosive esophagitis.11 According to Dr. Charles Baum, executive medical director at Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America: Clinical studies confirmed the Kapidex provided relief from heartburn up to twenty-four hours. 13

Kapidex medication works by stopping the production of acid by binding to the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid. Granules of the medication are enteric coated, protecting them from stomach acid until reaching the small intestines, where the medication is absorbed. Also, the medication is released in two separate phases:"The first 'peak" occurs one to two hours after the medication is taken and the second peak occurs within four to five hours."12 Kapidex common adverse side effects reported include: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and upper respiratory tract infection. 11 Kapidex may not be recommended for patients who have liver disease, allergies, during breastfeeding, and pregnancy or contemplating to become pregnant. 12

References:

1.) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Topic Review - http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/tc/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-topic-overview

2.) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - http://www.serovera.com/gerd.php

3.) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease- http://www.ehow.com/about_4759427_gastroesophageal-reflux-disease.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

4.) Definition of Esophagus - http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3326

5.) Esophageal sphincter - http://www.answers.com/topic/esophageal-sphincter

6.) Gastroesophageal - Reflux - http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/gerd_reflux.html

7.) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GERD - What is Acid Reflux - http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/gerd_acidreflux.htm

8.) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - http://www.lef.org/protocols/gastrointestinal/gastroesophageal_reflux_01.htm

9.) Esophagitis - http://www.csmc.edu/5650.html

10.) Proton pump inhibitor - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_pump_inhibitor

11.) FDA OKs New GERD Drug Kapidex - http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/news/20090206/fda-oks-new-gerd-drug-kapidex

12.) Kapidex - http://gerd.emedtv.com/kapidex/kapidex.html

13.) New Treatment Option for People Living with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - http://www.lexch.com/articles/2009/04/20/ara/health_and_wellness/8378.txt