Esomeprazole
What It Is Used For
Esomeprazole lowers stomach acid. It treats heartburn and acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the food pipe, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and ulcers caused by painkillers. With antibiotics it helps clear H. pylori infection.
How to Take It
Usually 20 mg or 40 mg once a day, at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal, often for 4 to 8 weeks. For H. pylori it is taken twice a day with antibiotics for the period your doctor sets. Swallow tablets or capsules whole.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to esomeprazole or similar medicines, or if you take the HIV medicine nelfinavir or rilpivirine.
Side Effects
Common: headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, wind and nausea. Long-term use can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 and slightly raise the risk of bone fractures and some gut infections.
Precautions
See a doctor first if you have weight loss, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood or black stools. Long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use only if a doctor advises it.
Interactions
It can weaken clopidogrel. Tell your doctor if you take clopidogrel, warfarin, methotrexate, diazepam, citalopram, some HIV medicines, or antifungals such as ketoconazole.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, in the original pack, out of the reach of children.
Checked by the Oshud Alo pharmacy team. For information only; follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Esomeprazole