Esomeprazole is an antiulcer medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration. It was initially approved on February 20, 2001, for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Esomeprazole helps to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (in which the stomach acid and contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing), peptic ulcers, and other acid-related disorders.

Take the Esomeprazole Tablet as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Esomeprazole are headache, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, nausea and polyps in the stomach. Some serious side effects also include unusual weight loss, problems in swallowing, stomach pain or indigestion, vomiting food or blood, black stools, sudden wheezing, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or body, rash, fainting, yellow skin, dark urine and tiredness.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to this drug and its ingredients. Individuals with severe liver problems may have impaired liver function, which can affect the metabolism and elimination of Esomeprazole. In such cases, the use of this drug may need to be adjusted, or alternative treatment options may be considered. This tablet may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or vision changes in some individuals. If these effects occur, avoiding activities requiring alertness, such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery, is important until you feel better.

Long-term use of this medicine may result in low magnesium levels in the body (hypomagnesemia). Symptoms of low magnesium levels include fatigue, muscle spasms or weakness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. If you develop any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. It is necessary to discuss using Esomeprazole with your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Take the Esomeprazole tablet exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor first. This drug is usually taken at least one hour before meals. Follow the general instructions given by your doctor regarding the timing and dosing of the medication. While taking this medicine, making certain dietary modifications to support your treatment may be helpful. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Eat smaller meals and avoid eating close to bedtime. Consider elevating the head of your bed to help reduce nighttime acid reflux.

1. Sun Pharma UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2022] [Accessed on 1 June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2326.pdf
2. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on August 2021] [Accessed on 1 June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021153s056,021957s023,022101s020lbl.pdf
3. Package leaflet: Information for the user - Esomeprazole. www.hpra.ie. [Revised on March 2020], Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/38066fa0-4719-460e-af96-b7cb11c7a23e.pdf (Accessed on 1 June 2023).
4. I.D. Penman, C.W. Lees, Alimentary tract and pancreatic disease, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 837-920.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.