Esomeprazole
Description
Esomeprazole is a medicine that helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach pr
oduces. It belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors, which work by blocking the acid-producing pumps in the stomach lining. By lowering acid levels, it helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, acidity, and stomach discomfort, and also allows ulcers or irritation in the food pipe to heal. Your doctor may prescribe Esomeprazole for conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers. It is usually taken before meals for best results. If you experience persistent symptoms or any unusual side effects, make sure to inform your doctor so your treatment can be adjusted if needed.
Uses
- Stomach ulcer
- Ulcer in the first part of intestine
- Gastritis
- A peculiar infection of the stomach called Helicobacter pylori infection. Here it is used along with antibiotics
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease also called heartburn. Reflux is the backflow of acid from the stomach into the food pipe which may become swollen and painful
Contraindications
When should one not use Esomeprazole
- If you are allergic to Esomeprazole or any other medicines containing proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Pantoprazole, Lanzoprazole, Rabeprazole and Omeprazole)
- If you are taking a medicine used to treat HIV infection
- If you have or are suspected of having stomach cancer
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache
- Stomachache, constipation or diarrhea along with flatulence are the most typical side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions, skin rash
- Increased risk of infections is seen in long-term use
- Decreased sodium and magnesium level in blood
- Severe skin conditions blistering of skin, erosion of nose, mouth, lips, genitals (Steven Johnson syndrome) and sensitivity to light
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Esomeprazole during pregnancy?
A:
There are no adequate data from the use of Esomeprazole in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, you should use this medicine only if your doctor considers the benefit for you more significant than the potential risk for your unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Esomeprazole while breastfeeding?
A:
Accurate data of whether it passes into mother’s milk is not available. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking this medicine during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Esomeprazole?
A:
Esomeprazole has a negligible influence on the ability to drive. If you experience side effects like dizziness or disturbed vision, you should avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Esomeprazole?
A:
No interaction between alcohol and Esomeprazole has been reported. Drinking excess of alcohol results in acidity and heartburn. So avoid drinking in excess.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have had any past stomach surgery history
- You have severe kidney problems
- You have any liver problems or jaundice in which color of skin or eye becomes yellow
- You are more than 55 years and need to take this medicine on long term
- You ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Esomeprazole that reduces stomach acid yellow
- While taking this medicine, upon sun exposure if you get rashes on your skin, stop your treatment and inform your doctor as soon as you can
- While taking this medicine, if you have severe diarrhea, tell your doctor immediately. Esomeprazole has been associated with a small increased risk of infectious diarrhea
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
This medicine works by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces. A pump called the proton pump in the stomach is responsible for the secretion of stomach acids. Esomeprazole binds to this proton pump in stomach cells, thus blocking acid secretion. Therefore, it is used in conditions where there is excessive acidity....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections) or Erlotinib, Methotrexate (used for certain types of cancer) as Esomeprazole tablets may interfere with the working of these...
- Medicines are given in HIV/AIDS patients (such as Nelfinavir, Tenofovir, Atazanavir, Rilpivirine, etc.)
- Phenprocoumon and Warfarin, which affect the thickening or thinning of the blood
Interactions with food items
To be taken on an empty stomach. There are no known interactions with food or beverages. However, nicotine, caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) and alcohol can stimulate stomach acid or delay ulcer healing....
Dietary Restrictions
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods
- Avoid late large meals before bedtime
- Avoid fizzy cold drinks, coffee, chocolate and alcohol
Dosage
Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, flushing, shortness of breath, tremor, loss of coordination, confusion or seizure (convulsions). Seek emergency medical help immediately....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose at a single time to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What special precautions should I follow?
A: It may cause colstridium difficile infection, diarrhea, atrophic gastritis and malabsorption syndrome if taken for a long term. Hence, it should be taken strictly on doctor’s advice and only for a period specified by doctor’s prescription. Do not extend its use on your own.
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- It is given in the capsule form to be taken on an empty stomach
- Esomeprazole sachets are also available for use in children
- Intravenous preparations are also available to be used in acute conditions in hospital settings
Q: What should I tell my healthcare expert before starting this medication?
A: Some studies link Esomeprazole to stomach cancer. It is important to share if you have any personal or family history of stomach cancer. It is also essential for you to share information on the history of HIV/AIDS, liver cirrhosis or other critical conditions that you are suffering from. Also, disclose to your doctor all the ongoing medications and supplements that you are taking.
Q: How long can the medicine be taken?
A: It generally needs 5 days to 1 week for the onset of its action. Duration depends on the condition for which it is taken. It is usually prescribed in courses of 1-6 months duration. It may be given for an extended period too.
References
Share This With Your Friends
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Medicines containing Esomeprazole
+ View More Medicines
