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Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.

It's widely used to:

  • treat indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – a condition which means you keep getting acid reflux
  • prevent stomach ulcers

Sometimes, esomeprazole is taken for a rare condition caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Esomeprazole comes as capsules, tablets, and granules to make a liquid that you swallow.

Sometimes, it's mixed with naproxen, a medicine that reduces swelling (inflammation) and pain in joints and muscles. This is known by the brand name Vimovo.

All types of esomeprazole are available on prescription. You can also buy the lowest-strength, 20mg tablets and capsules, from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Who can take esomeprazole

Esomeprazole can be taken by most adults. Children should only have esomeprazole if a doctor prescribes it.

Esomeprazole is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or any other medicine
  • have liver problems
  • are due to have an endoscopy

If you're going to have an endoscopy, ask your doctor if you should stop taking esomeprazole a few weeks before your procedure. This is because esomeprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.

Dosage and strength

Each tablet or capsule contains 20mg or 40mg of esomeprazole. Each sachet contains 10mg.

The usual dose to treat:

  • heartburn and acid reflux is 20mg a day
  • gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is 20mg to 40mg a day
  • stomach ulcers is 20mg a day
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 80mg a day – this can increase to 160mg a day depending on how well it works for you

Doses are usually lower for children and people with liver problems.

You'll usually take esomeprazole once a day, first thing in the morning. You can take it with or without food.

If you take esomeprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening.

Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a drink of water (non-fizzy). Do not use any other liquids.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, you can open up esomeprazole capsules and empty the contents into a glass. Mix with some water and drink it straight away.

If you have problems swallowing tablets, you can add them to a glass of water, wait for them to dissolve and then drink it straight away.

After, add more water to your glass and drink that as well to make sure there's no medicine left at the bottom of the glass.

How to take esomeprazole granules

If your child is under 12, their doctor may prescribe esomeprazole granules which come in sachets. Empty the granules into a glass and mix with some water, leave for a few minutes until the liquid has thickened, then encourage them to drink it straight away.

Changes to your dose

Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose if it is not working well enough.

Depending on the reason you're taking esomeprazole, you may take a higher dose to begin with, usually for a month or 2. After this, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose.

How long to take it for

If you bought the medicine yourself from a pharmacy or supermarket, tell your doctor if you feel no better after taking esomeprazole for 2 weeks. They may want to do tests to find out what's causing your symptoms or change you to a different medicine.

If it has been prescribed for you, you may only take it for a few weeks or months, depending on your condition. Sometimes your doctor may advise you to take it for longer, even many years.

Your doctor may suggest taking esomeprazole only when you have symptoms. This means you will not have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it, often after a few days or weeks. Taking esomeprazole for a short time to treat symptoms is not suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor about what's best for you.

If you forget to take it

If you usually take it:

  • once a day – take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 12 hours until your next dose. If that happens, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time
  • twice a day – take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 4 hours until your next dose. If that happens, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

It's very unlikely that taking 1 or 2 extra doses will cause any problems. But check with a doctor if you're worried.

you take more than your prescribed dose of esomeprazole and have any of these symptoms:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • being sick (vomiting)
  • feeling dizzy
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhoea
  • headaches

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you've taken esomeprazole for a long time, speak to your doctor before you stop taking it. Stopping suddenly could make your stomach produce a lot more acid, and make your symptoms come back.

Common side effects

These common side effects of esomeprazole happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor or contact 111 if:

  • your skin becomes yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), your pee becomes darker and you feel more tired – these can be signs of liver problems
  • you get joint pain along with a red skin rash, especially on parts of your body exposed to the sun, such as your arms, cheeks and nose – these can be signs of a rare condition called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This can happen even if you have been taking esomeprazole for a long time
  • you have diarrhoea that is severe or does not go away – this can be a sign of an inflamed bowel

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to esomeprazole.

If you take esomeprazole for more than 3 months, the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall.

Low magnesium can make you feel tired, confused, dizzy and cause muscle twitches, shakiness and an irregular heartbeat. If you get any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.

Taking esomeprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including:

  • bone fractures
  • gut infections
  • vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles

If you take esomeprazole for longer than 1 year, your doctor will regularly check your health to see if you should carry on taking it.

It's not known if esomeprazole works less well the longer you take it. If you feel like it is not working any more, talk to your doctor.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of esomeprazole. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Esomeprazole and pregnancy

There is little information about esomeprazole use during pregnancy, so it is not recommended.

Your doctor may suggest a similar medicine, called omeprazole, because there's more safety information available on it.

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it is OK to take esomeprazole while you're breastfeeding.

The small amount of information we have about this shows that esomeprazole passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Your baby will not absorb a lot into their body from breast milk. It's unlikely that esomeprazole will cause side effects in your baby.

Esomeprazole and fertility

There is no evidence to suggest that taking esomeprazole will reduce fertility in either men or women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

Cautions with other medicines

When taken at the same time, some medicines can affect the way esomeprazole works. Esomeprazole can also affect the way other medicines work.

Taking them together can make you more likely to have side effects or stop one of the medicines working as well.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking esomeprazole:

  • heart medicines such as digoxin
  • cilostazol, a medicine that treats peripheral arterial disease
  • antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole
  • methotrexate, a medicine that treats psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • HIV medicines
  • phenytoin, an epilepsy medicine
  • rifampicin, an antibiotic
  • clopidogrel or warfarin, medicines to prevent or treat blood clots

These are not all the medicines that may not mix well with esomeprazole. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're taking esomeprazole. It may stop esomeprazole working as well as it should.

There's not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with esomeprazole. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

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2,099 public posts

Is burping up undigested food always GERD or can it be something else?

Taking esomeprazole for 6 days and it hasn't helped. Also get shortness of breath and foul taste in my mouth
Taking esomeprazole for 6 days and it hasn't helped. Also get shortness of breath and foul taste in my mouth
nfrog profile image
nfrog
in Acid Reflux Support
1 month ago

GERD symptoms

I take Esomeprazole which means that the stomach acid is neutralised but the regurgitation is still unpleasant. The GP says I just have indigestion (!) so I have self-diagnosed this as GERD as it fits all the symptoms. Could it be another symptom of ibs or maybe a side effect of medication?
I take Esomeprazole which means that the stomach acid is neutralised but the regurgitation is still unpleasant. The GP says I just have indigestion (!) so I have self-diagnosed this as GERD as it fits all the symptoms. Could it be another symptom of ibs or maybe a side effect of medication?
diana16 profile image
diana16
in IBS Network
16 days ago

Epigastric pain

Bisoprolol, aspirin, clopidogrel, Atorvastatin, sertraline, esomeprazole and co-codamol when needed. Has anyone else had the same and what was it? Im wondering if it’s an ulcer? Thanks all
Bisoprolol, aspirin, clopidogrel, Atorvastatin, sertraline, esomeprazole and co-codamol when needed. Has anyone else had the same and what was it? Im wondering if it’s an ulcer? Thanks all
Jako999 profile image
Jako999
in British Heart Foundation
14 days ago
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Gastritis and hiatus hernia

Within the last few months Ive had a gastroscope, Ultra sounds, blood tests etc and 2 weeks ago my GP changed me from lansoprazole to esomeprazole to see if that helped, but it hasn't. So, any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Within the last few months Ive had a gastroscope, Ultra sounds, blood tests etc and 2 weeks ago my GP changed me from lansoprazole to esomeprazole to see if that helped, but it hasn't. So, any suggestions would be gratefully received.
ValDee88 profile image
ValDee88
in IBS Network
3 months ago

Atenolol and Ramilpril - Acid reflux

But the acid reflux I suffer from and take esomeprazole for has suddenly flared up since the above. My reflux was well under control until then.
But the acid reflux I suffer from and take esomeprazole for has suddenly flared up since the above. My reflux was well under control until then.
Ryis profile image
Ryis
in High Blood Pressure Support
4 months ago

Nexium Control

I went to the pharmacy which dispenses my prescriptions to ask which over the counter medication would be best and was advised to try Omeprazole or Nexium Control (Esomeprazole).
I went to the pharmacy which dispenses my prescriptions to ask which over the counter medication would be best and was advised to try Omeprazole or Nexium Control (Esomeprazole).
Becdan profile image
Becdan
in British Heart Foundation
1 month ago

Anybody healed their gut from acid reflux caused by aspirin?

My GP prescribed esomeprazole (Nexium) which solved the problem temporarily. I was researching natural options and tried the followings.
My GP prescribed esomeprazole (Nexium) which solved the problem temporarily. I was researching natural options and tried the followings.
bd_97 profile image
bd_97
in MPN Voice
2 months ago

Statin Chest Pain

It seems to have gotten worse after I stopped PPI esomeprazole which I had been taking for last 12 months. I recently attended Doctors as I had read Diltiazem can enhance the effectiveness of Atorvastatin. She agreed I should drop my dose from 40mg to 20mg Atorvastatin and monitor.
It seems to have gotten worse after I stopped PPI esomeprazole which I had been taking for last 12 months. I recently attended Doctors as I had read Diltiazem can enhance the effectiveness of Atorvastatin. She agreed I should drop my dose from 40mg to 20mg Atorvastatin and monitor.
Fonzo profile image
Fonzo
in British Heart Foundation
10 days ago

esomeprazole

after having suffered from eosinophilic asthma for several year, I have now developed acid reflux and I’m on 80 mg of esomeprazole daily. I have been on this medication for a year. My question is is it normal for such a high dose of this medication for a year. Thanks in anticipation
after having suffered from eosinophilic asthma for several year, I have now developed acid reflux and I’m on 80 mg of esomeprazole daily. I have been on this medication for a year. My question is is it normal for such a high dose of this medication for a year. Thanks in anticipation
Josephone profile image
Josephone
in Asthma Community Forum
7 months ago

Respiratory Consultant wants me to come off asthma meds!

straightforward and last spirometry was best ever, but at the time I was on 40mg pred, antibiotic nebs for pseudomonas, x4 ipatropium nebs, x4 salbutamol nebs, seretide 500 x1 daily, flixotide 500 x1 daily, NACYS x1 daily, fexofenadene x2 daily, dymista x1 daily, montelukast, azithromycin 250mg x1 daily, esomeprazole
straightforward and last spirometry was best ever, but at the time I was on 40mg pred, antibiotic nebs for pseudomonas, x4 ipatropium nebs, x4 salbutamol nebs, seretide 500 x1 daily, flixotide 500 x1 daily, NACYS x1 daily, fexofenadene x2 daily, dymista x1 daily, montelukast, azithromycin 250mg x1 daily, esomeprazole
LottieB36 profile image
LottieB36
in Asthma Community Forum
3 months ago

Country-wide medical records infer increased allergy risk of gastric acid inhibition

A newspaper article and a paper in Nature that raise questions about the effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI - such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole), Sucralfate, H2-receptor antagonists (such as Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine
A newspaper article and a paper in Nature that raise questions about the effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI - such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole), Sucralfate, H2-receptor antagonists (such as Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine
helvella profile image
helvella
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
5 months ago

Rich food

On Esomeprazole, disaster at Christmas...all the rich food has left my evening with violent watery diarrhea... What to do ? Got to do it all again tomorrow. 🙄
On Esomeprazole, disaster at Christmas...all the rich food has left my evening with violent watery diarrhea... What to do ? Got to do it all again tomorrow. 🙄
Bexter21 profile image
Bexter21
in Acid Reflux Support
1 year ago

IBS Symptoms?

Doctor gave me omeprazole which gave me migraines and sickness followed by esomeprazole which wasn’t any better - despite helping the acid, it gave me awful diarrhoea. Fast forward to now and I’m not on any medication and waiting for a gastroscopy in a few weeks time.
Doctor gave me omeprazole which gave me migraines and sickness followed by esomeprazole which wasn’t any better - despite helping the acid, it gave me awful diarrhoea. Fast forward to now and I’m not on any medication and waiting for a gastroscopy in a few weeks time.
Carterusm49 profile image
Carterusm49
in IBS Network
12 months ago

TSH going down instead of up with lowering of levothyroxine

I had some relief after being put on 40 mg a day of esomeprazole in December but now the malaise has returned. Meanwhile, my endocrinologist cannot get my levothyroxine dose synced with my THS. I am on 100 mcg now, having been lowered from 112, having been lowered 3 more times in the last year.
I had some relief after being put on 40 mg a day of esomeprazole in December but now the malaise has returned. Meanwhile, my endocrinologist cannot get my levothyroxine dose synced with my THS. I am on 100 mcg now, having been lowered from 112, having been lowered 3 more times in the last year.
earthur profile image
earthur
in Thyroid UK
11 months ago

Stomach pain when I take esomeprazole

I’m on esomeprazole for acid reflux but it gives me stomach pain, when I stop taking it the pain goes away but soon as start back on it it gives me stomach ache, is this normal ?
I’m on esomeprazole for acid reflux but it gives me stomach pain, when I stop taking it the pain goes away but soon as start back on it it gives me stomach ache, is this normal ?
Dizzypants profile image
Dizzypants
in IBS Network
1 year ago

Hiatus hernia/belching

A few weeks ago my belching and really uncomfortable stomach got worse and doc prescribed esomeprazole. I have good and bad days but it's really getting me down. Apart from the stomach problems I take atorvastatin, atenolol and vit d. Anyone else suffer with these problems?
A few weeks ago my belching and really uncomfortable stomach got worse and doc prescribed esomeprazole. I have good and bad days but it's really getting me down. Apart from the stomach problems I take atorvastatin, atenolol and vit d. Anyone else suffer with these problems?
Manray11 profile image
Manray11
in Bone Health
1 year ago

Constant cold

I take methotrexate hydroxychloroquine Certrizine folic acid b12 tablets vitamin D tablets and esomeprazole. How can I get rid of this cold?
I take methotrexate hydroxychloroquine Certrizine folic acid b12 tablets vitamin D tablets and esomeprazole. How can I get rid of this cold?
Moleymum profile image
Moleymum
in NRAS
1 year ago

help!!

I have had symptoms on and off for many years Omeprazole for acid reflux which has settled now thankfully and now I swing between constipation and urgent diahorea. I’ve started a food diary and milk seems to be a trigger food along with some others. Does anyone know if this will eventually settle without
I have had symptoms on and off for many years Omeprazole for acid reflux which has settled now thankfully and now I swing between constipation and urgent diahorea. I’ve started a food diary and milk seems to be a trigger food along with some others. Does anyone know if this will eventually settle without
Roryheidi profile image
Roryheidi
in IBS Network
2 days ago

fexofenadine and omeprazole

I am wondering if anyone know if these can be taken together or do they need 2 hours apart as u do with Gaviscon???
I am wondering if anyone know if these can be taken together or do they need 2 hours apart as u do with Gaviscon???
JaimeGraceUK profile image
JaimeGraceUK
in Asthma Community Forum
4 days ago

omeprazole and levothyroxine

Hi, Does anyone know if there's an interaction between these two drugs and if I should delay taking my Omeprazole a certain number of hours after the Levothyroxine? I am on 87.5 levothyroxine and 20 mg Omeprazole. Many thanks
Hi, Does anyone know if there's an interaction between these two drugs and if I should delay taking my Omeprazole a certain number of hours after the Levothyroxine? I am on 87.5 levothyroxine and 20 mg Omeprazole. Many thanks
helankayarn profile image
helankayarn
in Thyroid UK
8 days ago
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