MESALAZINE RELEASE FROM A PH DEPENDENT FORMULATION - EFFECTS OF OMEPRAZOLE AND LACTULOSE COADMINISTRATION

Aims Delayed-release formulations of mesalazine often rely on the gast rointestinal luminal pH profile to deliver 5-aminosalicylic acid (5ASA ) to the colon. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of luminal pH on mesalazine release. Methods We studied, the effect of co -administration of omeprazole and lactulose on the steady-state pharma cokinetics of Eudragit S-coated mesalazine in healthy volunteers. Resu lts No significant changes in urinary or faecal levels of 5ASA or its main metabolite, N-acetyl 5ASA, were apparent. Conclusions This study suggests that co-administration of omeprazole and lactulose does not i mpair the release of delayed-release mesalazine.