Esomeprazole is available in the form of tablets and capsules in a 20mg and 40mg strength. The capsules contain coated granules which are designed to only be released in the stomach where their anti-acid action is required.
It is also available in the form of granules if prescribed for children.
It can be prescribed to treat or prevent stomach ulcers.
Taking Esomeprazole should be avoided if you are allergic to any ingredients of the tablet. If you have had a reaction to one of the other proton pump inhibitors, please feel free to discuss this with one of our doctors. You should inform one of our doctors if you have severe kidney or liver problems, or have previously had any skin reactions after taking similar medications. Please ensure you inform our doctor if you are taking any other medication.
Whilst these are unlikely, should any of the following side effects occur then you should stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately: - Signs of a serious allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling or severe rash) - Serious skin conditions - Other serious conditions like jaundice, painful urination, and lower back pain
Some of the common side effects that you might notice after using this drug are: - Fatigue - Headache - Drowsiness - Diarrhoea - Sleep disorders - Constipation - Abdominal pain - Vomiting
Esomeprazole should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It should not be crushed or chewed as this is likely to interfere with the release of the medicine in your body. It can be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
If you are taking this medicine to treat heartburn caused by GORD or if there is damage or inflammation in your oesophagus, the starting dose in adults is usually 40 mg daily for four weeks. It can then be continued for another 4 weeks if it is not completely healed and if advised by our doctor.
After it is healed, the recommended maintenance dosage is 20 mg daily.
If there is no damage/inflammation in your oesophagus initially, the starting dose is usually 20 mg daily.
A lower dose may be given to you if you have severe liver problems.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, please discuss this with one of our doctors as we may be able to prescribe you an alternative formulation.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Do not stop taking the medicine without informing your doctor.
If you are suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) it is because of the reflux of acid within the stomach. It causes symptoms like heartburn, pain on swallowing or acid regurgitation.
Esomeprazole belongs to a class of medicines called Proton pump inhibitors. These are designed to act in the stomach where they stop the production of acid pumps and hence lower the production of acid in the stomach. This lack of stomach acid allows for any damage (such as ulcers, inflammation or infection) in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum to heal.
Stomach ulcers or ulcers in the upper part of the gut may be caused by certain bacteria (most commonly an infection called helicobacter pylori). In that case, in addition to esomeprazole, antibiotics may also be prescribed by your doctor to treat the underlying infection.
Esomeprazole typically takes around one hour to work after taking the dose. However, treatment is more effective if it is taken regularly. It takes around 5 days of treatment for the production of acid to be reduced by its’ most effective amount. It is important to continue taking the medicine to continue obtaining this effect.
It typically takes 4-8 weeks treatment for reflux oesophagitis to heal.
