What is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole belongs to the class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are used to reduce stomach acid production. It is available in capsules, tablets, granules, and a liquid (oral suspension).
Use of Esomeprazole
The uses of Esomeprazole include:
- Healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis
- Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Treatment of peptic ulcer disease
- Eradication of H. pylori infection
- Prevention of gastrointestinal bleeds associated with NSAID use
- Long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Esomeprazole Side Effects?
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Constipation
- Dry Mouth
- Drowsiness
- Blisters or Peeling Skin
- Hives
- Rash
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips,
- Swelling of eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower Legs
- Hoarseness
- Irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
- Excessive Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Light headedness
- Muscle Spasms, cramps, or weakness
- Jitteriness
- Shaking of a part of the body
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea with watery stools
- Stomach Pain
- Fever
- New worsening joint pain
- Rash on cheeks
- Rashes on arms that are sensitive to Sunlight
- Decreased Urination
- Blood in the Urine
Precautions To Follow
- Inform your doctor about any allergies to Esomeprazole or related medicines.
- Disclose your medical history, especially liver disease and lupus.
- Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms like chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding.
- Inform your Doctor of all the medications, including herbal products, before surgery.
- Long-term use of esomeprazole may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults.
- Older adults and children may be more prone to side effects.
- Avoid esomeprazole during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor; its effects on breastfeeding are uncertain.
How to use Esomeprazole?
- Read the Drug Guide and Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
- Take orally, usually once daily, at least an hour before a meal, or as directed by the physician.
- Follow dosage instructions carefully; do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency.
- Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew.
- If needed, capsules can be opened, and contents can be mixed with unheated applesauce and then consumed immediately.
- Take antacids if needed, but at least 30 minutes before sucralfate if not taking it.
- Take it at the same time daily.
- Continue treatment for the prescribed duration; consult the Doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Interactions
Esomeprazole may interact with cilostazol, clopidogrel, methotrexate, rifampin, St. John's wort, among others.
Some drugs require stomach acid for absorption; Esomeprazole may affect their effectiveness, including atazanavir, erlotinib, and certain antifungals.
Dosage
It is available in the form of tablet, injection, and oral suspension forms, with strengths ranging from 10mg to 40mg.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember; do not double the dose.
Overdose
Seek medical help or call emergency services if an overdose is suspected.
Storage Instructions
- Keep away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
- Keep away from children
Esomeprazole Vs Omeprazole
| Esomeprazole | Omeprazole |
|---|---|
| Esomeprazole sold under the brand name Nexium | Omeprazole is sold under the brand names Prilosec and Losec |
| Esomeprazole is used to treat some problems with the stomach and esophagus (acid reflux, ulcers). | Is a medication used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger–Ellison syndromes. |
| Formula: C17H19N3O3S | Formula: C17H19N3O3S |
| Esomeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other disorders such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that include excessive stomach acid. | omeprazole is also used to treat damage from GERD in adults and children. |
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Esomeprazole and Omeprazole are similar medications, but not the same. Both medicines belong to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production.
Long-term use of this medication carries risks, including increased risk of bone fractures, inflammation of the stomach lining, and low magnesium levels in the blood.
The best time to take Esomeprazole is usually before a meal, at least one hour prior. Follow the guidelines provided by the Doctor on the product's label.
Esomeprazole is used to address stomach and esophagus issues such as acid reflux and ulcers.
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness/dizziness, blisters or peeling skin, hives, rashes, itching are some side effects of this drug.
You can take the drug with or without eating food.
Yes, it may lead you to gain weight.
Esomeprazole can interact with several medications, including cilostazol, clopidogrel, methotrexate, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Inform the Doctor about all medications you are taking.
It may or may not cause you joint pains, depending on your medical condition.
Yes, you can take it twice a day. But consult a doctor before taking.
Yes, you can generally take Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Esomeprazole without significant interactions. It's always a good to consult with the Doctor before taking medications.
Interactions between doxycycline and Nexium were not observed. This does not mean that there are no interactions with this. Always consult with your Doctor.
