Why it is Prescribed
Esomeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Esomeprazole is also used to decrease the chance of getting an ulcer in people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori). Esomeprazole is also used for long-term treatment conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) in which the stomach makes too much acid. Esomeprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Esomeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Esomeprazole is also used to decrease the chance of getting an ulcer in people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori). Esomeprazole is also used for long-term treatment conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) in which the stomach makes too much acid. Esomeprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
How it Works
Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth and as granules to mix with water to take by mouth or give through a feeding tube. Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day at least 1 hour before a meal. To help you remember to take esomeprazole, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take esomeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put 1 tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
confusion
drowsiness
blurred vision
fast heartbeat
nausea
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Precautions
Before taking esomeprazole,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to esomeprazole, lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (AcipHex), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention atazanavir (Reyataz); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); voriconazole (Vfend). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
If you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), iron supplements, vitamins that contain iron, or ketoconazole (Nizoral), you should take these medications at least 2 hours before taking esomeprazole.
tell your doctor if you have or have ...
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Possible Side Effects
Esomeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
headache
diarrhea
nausea
gas
stomach pain
constipation
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Special Dietary Concerns
Talk to your doctor about your diet. Some foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. Your doctor can tell you which foods and drinks you should avoid or eat/drink only in small quantities.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
