What is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole can be used to combat signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other ailments that result from excessive stomach acid, like Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Esomeprazole can also be utilized to help heal an erosive stomach (damage to the stomach due to acid in your stomach).
Esomeprazole could also be prescribed to treat gastric ulcers caused by an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or through treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).Esomeprazole is not intended for immediate relief from heartburn symptoms.Esomeprazole is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects Esomeprazole
Contact a medical professional immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Esomeprazole could cause severe adverse effects. Consult your physician immediately if you suffer from:
- Extreme stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Kidney issues—kidney problems—the fever, rash, nausea, lack of appetite, joint pain, a lower frequency of urination, and the presence of blood or urine in your urine; weight loss
- Low magnesium—dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, coughing or choking feeling; or
- The symptoms are either getting worse or new for Lupus symptoms that are getting worse—joint pain, as well as an itch on your arms or cheeks that gets worse in the sun.
Long-term use of esomeprazole can result in stomach-related growths known as fundic polyps. Consult your physician about the danger.
If you have been taking esomeprazole for more than three years, you may be prone to developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Consult your doctor regarding the best way to treat this condition in the event that you are diagnosed with it.
Common adverse effects of esomeprazole could include:
- Headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation,
- Dry mouth.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Esomeprazole could cause kidney problems. Inform your doctor if you're having fewer urinations than normal or if you notice the presence of blood in your urine.Diarrhea can be an indication of a new infection. Contact your doctor in the event of diarrhea that's watery or contains blood.
Esomeprazole could result in the onset or escalation of symptoms of lupus. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing joint pain and an itch on your arms or cheeks that gets worse in the sun.It is possible to sustain broken bones when you take esomeprazole for a long time or more than once daily.
Before You Take this Drug
Heartburn may be a sign of the early signs of a coronary attack. Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing chest pain that is spreading to your shoulder or jaw and you experience anxiety or lightheadedness,
This medicine if:
- You experienced breathing problems. kidney issues, breathing problems, or a severe allergic reaction when you took esomeprazole before
- You have an allergy to esomeprazole or other similar medications like pantoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, or rabeprazole. Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and others
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Extremely severe liver condition;
- Lupus;
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia)
- The magnesium levels are low in the blood.
It is possible that you are more likely to suffer fractured bones in your wrist, hip, or back when you are taking an inhibitor of the proton pump long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to maintain your bones' health.
Talk to your doctor prior to using this medication if you are nursing or pregnant.
How to Take Esomeprazole?
Be sure to follow the guidelines on the label, or according to the instructions of your physician.Drink each dose using an entire glass (8 ounces) of water.
Esomeprazole is best taken at least an hour before eating.Suck the pill completely and don't chew, crush, break, crack, or even crack it.If you're unable to take it whole, you can open it and then sprinkle the capsule into one portion of applesauce or pudding. Drink the liquid immediately without chewing. Don't save it for later.
The capsule of esomeprazole can be delivered via an nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Take note of and adhere to any instructions that are included in your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you don't understand the instructions.Esomeprazole is typically prescribed for 4–8 weeks. It is not a long-term treatment. Your doctor might suggest an additional course of treatment in case you require additional healing time.Make sure you take esomeprazole over the prescribed duration of time, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or become worse while you're taking this medicine.This medication can alter the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking esomeprazole.Certain conditions can be treated using the combination of esomeprazole and antibiotics. Follow all prescriptions as instructed.Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but take a break from your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Esomeprazole may cause diarrhea, which could be an indication of an infection that has recurred. If you experience diarrhea that is either watery or bloody, contact your doctor prior to using an anti-diarrhea medication.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking. A variety of drugs can affect esomeprazole, particularly:
- Cilostazol;
- Clopidogrel;
- Diazepam;
- Digoxin;
- Erlotinib;
- Iron-containing medications (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and many others);
- Methotrexate;
- Mycophenolate mofetil;
- Rifampin;
- St. John's wort;
- Tacrolimus;
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- Antifungal medication—ketoconazole, voriconazole,
- HIV/AIDS medication: atazanavir, nelfinavir, and saquinavir
This list isn't complete, and a variety of other medications could impact esomeprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
