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Esomeprazole

  • Esomeprazole works by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach.
  • Usually taken once daily, with a glass of water, before food.
  • If you have difficulty in swallowing, the tablets can also be dispersed in half a glass of non-carbonated water.
  • If you are on long-term treatment, you will have regular appointments with your doctor.

About esomeprazole

Type of medicine Proton pump inhibitor
Used for Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (indigestion)
Stomach ulcers or ulcers in the intestine
As part of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can live in the stomach
Also called Nexium
Available as Tablets

Esomeprazole works by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach, which helps to reduce acid indigestion and heal ulcers.

Before taking esomeprazole

Before taking esomeprazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you take a medicine called atazanavir.
  • If you have noticed any of the following: major weight loss, continuously being sick or noticing blood in your sick, difficulty swallowing, or blood in your stools.

How to take esomeprazole

  • Usually taken once daily, with a glass of water, before food.
  • Do not chew or break the tablets.
  • If you have difficulty in swallowing, the tablets can also be dispersed in half a glass of non-carbonated water. Stir until the tablets break down and drink the liquid with the pellets immediately or within 30 minutes. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink. The pellets must not be chewed or crushed.
  • How long you take esomeprazole for will depend on the condition for which you are being treated- follow your doctor's instructions.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are on long-term treatment, you will have regular appointments with your doctor.

Can esomeprazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Nausea, vomiting Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

How to store esomeprazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1415		 DocRef:
dils3706		 Last Updated:
8 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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