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Esomeprazole

(es oh me' pray zol)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

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) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. 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 drugs (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 of 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 should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth or to open, mix with water, and give through a feeding tube and as granules to mix with water and take by mouth or give through a feeding tube. Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day at least 1 hour before a meal.When esomeprazole is used to treat some conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, it is taken twice a day. Take esomeprazole at around the same time(s) 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 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.

To mix the granules, follow these steps:

• Place 1 tablespoon, 15 mL of water into a cup.
• Open the esomeprazole packet and empty the granules into the cup containing the water.
• Stir the granules into the water and leave the mixture alone for 2 to 3 minutes so that it will thicken.
• Stir the mixture again, and drink all the mixture within 30 minutes.
• If any material remains in the cup after drinking, add some more water and stir. Drink all of the mixture immediately.

The granules and the contents of the capsules can both be given through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor or pharmacist how you should take the medication. Follow those directions carefully.

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of esomeprazole. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve during this time. Continue to take esomeprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking esomeprazole without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

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); antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend); digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); and iron supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking esomeprazole, call your doctor.
• 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.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

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.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

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
• dry mouth

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• blisters or peeling skin
• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness

Esomeprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

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.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

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
• sweating
• flushing
• headache
• dry mouth

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Revised - 06/01/2008
Last Reviewed - 10/01/2001

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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