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Generic Name: esomeprazole (e sew MEH pra zol)
Brand Names:
Nexium |
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What is the most important information I should know about esomeprazole? |
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Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully
treated. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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Esomeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the
stomach. |
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Esomeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other
conditions involving excessive stomach acid
production. |
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Esomeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
Who should not take esomeprazole? |
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Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type
of liver disease. You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring. |
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Esomeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take esomeprazole without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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It is not known whether esomeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take
esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I take esomeprazole? |
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Take esomeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of
water. |
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Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow your
doctor's instructions. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce
can be added to an empty bowl and the esomeprazole capsule can be opened, and
the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce. The
pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The
applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without
chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce
mixture should not be stored for later use. |
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Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully
treated. |
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Store esomeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of an esomeprazole overdose include drowsiness, shortness of
breath, tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures. |
What should I avoid while taking
esomeprazole? |
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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking
esomeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor. |
What are the possible side effects of
esomeprazole? |
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If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of
your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking esomeprazole and seek emergency
medical attention. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take esomeprazole and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, or constipation; or |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect esomeprazole? |
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Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); |
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itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
or |
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iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). |
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You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with esomeprazole. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about esomeprazole written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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