Esomeprazole
|
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
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| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 1415 |
DocRef: dils3706 |
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 7 Feb 2009 |
Version: 22 |
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
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