General Information and Indications:
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. It
is also used with other medications to prevent stomach ulcers. Esomeprazole
is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by
decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Information For Users:
Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting)
capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at least one 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, ask
your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take esomeprazole
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot
swallow the capsule, put one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty
bowl. Open one esomeprazole capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto
the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire
tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew
the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for
later use.
Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to take esomeprazole. If
you are taking esomeprazole for GERD, you may take it for 4-8 weeks or
longer. If you are taking esomeprazole to treat an ulcer, you may take it
with other medications for 10 days.
Your doctor will tell you how long it will take to feel the full benefit of
esomeprazole. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve
during this time. Continue taking esomeprazole even if you feel well. Do not
discontinue taking esomeprazole without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to
esomeprazole, lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix),
rabeprazole (AcipHex), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as
warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o 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.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking esomeprazole, call your
doctor.
o You may take antacids with esomeprazole. If you feel you need an antacid,
ask your doctor to recommend one and to tell you when and how to take it.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Esomeprazole may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o gas
o stomach pain
o constipation
o dry mouth
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o hives (Urticaria)
o skin rash
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
lower legs
o hoarseness
Esomeprazole may have other adverse effects. Call your doctor if you have
any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Some patients who took a medication similar to esomeprazole for a long time
developed a condition in which the stomach muscles weaken and shrink. It is
not known if taking esomeprazole increases your risk of developing this
condition. Laboratory animals who were given esomeprazole developed stomach
tumors. It is not known if esomeprazole increases the risk of tumors in
humans. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking esomeprazole.
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o confusion
o drowsiness
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o fast heartbeat
o upset stomach
o sweating
o flushing
o headache
o dry mouth
Brand Name(s):
o Nexium®
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