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Esomeprazole

About esomeprazole

Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.

It's used for heartburn, acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - GORD is when you keep getting acid reflux. It's also taken to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.

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

Esomeprazole also comes mixed with naproxen, a medicine that reduces inflammation and pain in joints and muscles.

Esomeprazole comes as capsules, tablets, granules and as a liquid.

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

Key facts

  • It's usual to take esomeprazole once a day in the morning.
  • Common side effects include headache, diarrhoea and stomach pain. These tend to be mild and go away when you stop taking the medicine.
  • Esomeprazole is called by the brand names Nexium, Nexium Control, Emozul and Ventra.
  • When esomeprazole is mixed with naproxen it's called the by brand name Vimovo.
  • If you've bought esomeprazole without a prescription and your symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks, see a doctor before taking any more.

Who can and cannot take esomeprazole

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

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

  • have had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or any other medicines in the past
  • have liver problems
  • cannot absorb certain types of sugars including glucose or sucrose
  • are due to have an endoscopy

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking esomeprazole a few weeks before your endoscopy. This is because esomeprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.

How and when to take it

It's usual to 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 one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening.

Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water. If you have problems swallowing tablets, you can put them in a glass of water. Stir until the tablets start to break up, then drink straight away.

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 straight away. Fill the glass with water again, and drink that as well to make sure there's no medicine left at the bottom of the glass.

If your child is under 12 years old, their doctor may prescribe esomeprazole granules which come in sachets. Empty the granules into a glass and mix with some water, then encourage them to drink it straight away.

How much to take

Each tablet or capsule contains 20mg or 40mg. 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.

Will my dose go up or down?

Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose if it isn't working well enough.

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

How long will I take it for?

If you have 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 you take it on prescription, you may only take it for a few weeks or months, depending on your illness. 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 won't have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it - often after a few days or weeks. Taking esomeprazole this way isn't suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor about what's best for you.

What if I 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 - in which case skip the missed dose.
  • twice a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 4 hours until your next dose - in which case skip the missed dose.

Do not take a double dose 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 your medicine.

What if I take too much?

It is very unlikely that taking one or two extra doses by accident will cause any problems. However, you should check with your doctor if you have taken too much and have any of these symptoms:

  • feeling sweaty
  • a fast heartbeat
  • feeling sleepy
  • blurred vision
  • feeling confused or agitated

Side effects

Most people who take esomeprazole do not have any side effects. If you do get a side effect, it is usually mild and will go away when you stop taking esomeprazole.

Common side effects

Common side effects may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away:

  • headaches
  • diarrhoea
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • constipation
  • stomach pain or wind

Serious side effects

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Call a doctor straight away if you have:

  • joint pain and abnormal changes in your skin, especially in parts of your body exposed to the sun, such as a red, raised rash on your arms that can spread, blisters, or a red rash on your cheeks and nose. These can be signs of a rare condition called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This can happen even if you've been taking esomeprazole for a long time.
  • yellow skin, dark pee and tiredness. These can be signs of liver problems.

Serious allergic reaction

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

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

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

  • headaches - make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
  • diarrhoea - drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee.
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) - try taking esomeprazole with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you don't eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine.
  • constipation - eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run. If this doesn't help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
  • stomach pain or wind - steer clear of foods that cause wind like lentils, beans and onions. It might also help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Some pharmacy remedies, such as simethicone may relieve symptoms of wind.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Esomeprazole isn't usually recommended during pregnancy as there's no firm evidence it's safe.

A medicine called omeprazole, which is similar to esomeprazole, is safe in pregnancy.

However, if you're pregnant, it's always better to try to treat your symptoms without taking a medicine.

Your doctor or midwife may suggest eating smaller meals more often and avoiding fatty and spicy food.

They may also suggest raising the head of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress, so that your chest and head are above your waist. This helps stop stomach acid travelling up towards your throat.

If these lifestyle changes don't work, you may be recommended omeprazole to help ease your symptoms.

Esomeprazole and breastfeeding

Esomeprazole may get into breast milk, but it's not known whether it harms the baby. A medicine called omeprazole, which is similar to esomeprazole, is safe to take while breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor to discuss what is best for you and your baby.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can interfere with esomeprazole and make you more likely to have side effects.

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

  • digoxin (a heart medicine)
  • cilostazol (a medicine used to treat painful legs caused by poor circulation)
  • antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, ketoconazole or posaconazole
  • methotrexate (a medicine used to treat cancer and conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • HIV medicines
  • phenytoin (an anti-epilepsy medicine)
  • rifampicin (an antibiotic)
  • blood thinning medicines, such as clopidogrel
  • citalopram, escitalopram, clomipramine or imipramine (antidepressants)
  • tacrolimus (a medicine used for eczema or to prevent organ rejection after a transplant)

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

Mixing esomeprazole with herbal remedies and supplements

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

Common questions

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1,709 public posts

Can acid reflux last over a week and cause stomach cramps around the belly button area and upper

Also been prescribed esomeprazole do they really work?
Also been prescribed esomeprazole do they really work?
Dizzypants
in IBS Network

I’m still taking esomeprazole but having a blood test on Thursday to see if I have h pylori will this effect the results?

I’m having a blood test Thursday to see if my stomach pain is caused by h pylori but I’m still taking esomeprazole will this effect the results? I’m in a lot of pain tonight with stomach pain can anyone recommend what I can take to calm it down until I get the results back?
I’m having a blood test Thursday to see if my stomach pain is caused by h pylori but I’m still taking esomeprazole will this effect the results? I’m in a lot of pain tonight with stomach pain can anyone recommend what I can take to calm it down until I get the results back?
Dizzypants
in IBS Network

Is this gallstones

I’ve just started taking esomeprazole as my gp thinks it’s trapped wind but I think it’s more serious than that.
I’ve just started taking esomeprazole as my gp thinks it’s trapped wind but I think it’s more serious than that.
Dizzypants
in IBS Network
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Esomeprazole (Nexium) 22mg

So I’m wondering if it is better for him to get off esomeprazole too and take Gaviscon instead to avoid any long term side effects?
So I’m wondering if it is better for him to get off esomeprazole too and take Gaviscon instead to avoid any long term side effects?
Notknowmuch
in Oesophageal Patients Association

Swallowing problems.

Been taking 40mg esomeprazole for 8 weeks now but not much improvement. Can anyone give me any advice on this and the constant burping i have?
Been taking 40mg esomeprazole for 8 weeks now but not much improvement. Can anyone give me any advice on this and the constant burping i have?
Kennydog
in IBS Network

Reflux

would anyone know why sleeping on the left can be so very bad as reflux happens and vile sickness happens, and burning in the top part of the throat and there is also the muck on your chest which has to come up eventually, we learn to sleep more upright and also no spicy food late in the day, I do esomeprazole
would anyone know why sleeping on the left can be so very bad as reflux happens and vile sickness happens, and burning in the top part of the throat and there is also the muck on your chest which has to come up eventually, we learn to sleep more upright and also no spicy food late in the day, I do esomeprazole
hunsdon
in Oesophageal Patients Association

Pain in centre of back with burping after stents fitted over 12 months ago.

Recently I tried Esomeprazole which seemed to help reduce the burping considerably. Doctor seems reluctant to change any other medications. Has anyone else encountered a pain/soreness feeling similar to mine? Has anyone experienced the constant burping?
Recently I tried Esomeprazole which seemed to help reduce the burping considerably. Doctor seems reluctant to change any other medications. Has anyone else encountered a pain/soreness feeling similar to mine? Has anyone experienced the constant burping?
Plynda
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel

My GP has put me back on esomeprazole which interacts with clopidogrel. Any advice would be appreciated thanks.
My GP has put me back on esomeprazole which interacts with clopidogrel. Any advice would be appreciated thanks.
Hidden
in British Heart Foundation

Slippery elm

I have been on esomeprazole on and off for a few years now. To be honest it doesn’t really work and after being on it for several days it makes my intermittent restless legs a nightly thing.
I have been on esomeprazole on and off for a few years now. To be honest it doesn’t really work and after being on it for several days it makes my intermittent restless legs a nightly thing.
Mum007
in Restless Legs Syndrome

A little help please...!

Pain and reflux came back within a month so fast forward to now a year later and I am still on PPi's esomeprazole. I have had a barium swallow which on the doctors notes was 'remarkable' with only a slight acid spill. I cut out coffee for months but now allow myself one a day.
Pain and reflux came back within a month so fast forward to now a year later and I am still on PPi's esomeprazole. I have had a barium swallow which on the doctors notes was 'remarkable' with only a slight acid spill. I cut out coffee for months but now allow myself one a day.
Ollyburr
in Oesophageal Patients Association

A little advice please...!

Pain and reflux came back within a month so fast forward to now a year later and I am still on PPi's esomeprazole. I have had a barium swallow which on the doctors notes was 'remarkable' with only a slight acid spill. I cut out coffee for months but now allow myself one a day.
Pain and reflux came back within a month so fast forward to now a year later and I am still on PPi's esomeprazole. I have had a barium swallow which on the doctors notes was 'remarkable' with only a slight acid spill. I cut out coffee for months but now allow myself one a day.
Ollyburr
in IBS Network

Advice

I’m after some advice I had the Heidelberg test a few months ago and it diagnosed low stomach acid and pyloric insufficiency but just recently I have been having horrendous heartburn and a bitter taste in my mouth along with nausea my doctor has prescribed Esomeprazole 40mg twice a day but surely that
I’m after some advice I had the Heidelberg test a few months ago and it diagnosed low stomach acid and pyloric insufficiency but just recently I have been having horrendous heartburn and a bitter taste in my mouth along with nausea my doctor has prescribed Esomeprazole 40mg twice a day but surely that
LEENOL48
in IBS Network

No Ranitidine, no alternatives available, chest pain, indigestion, impact on ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion - just to carry on with both Ranitidine and Esomeprazole. I ended up in A&E with chest pain 12 days ago, but told it was probably caused by gastritis rather than a heart problem. Was advised to take a 2nd dose 40 mg Esomeprazole for 7 days.
Conclusion - just to carry on with both Ranitidine and Esomeprazole. I ended up in A&E with chest pain 12 days ago, but told it was probably caused by gastritis rather than a heart problem. Was advised to take a 2nd dose 40 mg Esomeprazole for 7 days.
pen5377
in Crohn's and Colitis Support

So many meds! Overwhelmed!

I’m totally overwhelmed by all the meds originally I was put on aspirin and esomeprazole then they added a statin and now I have had my pre op they have put me on clopidrogel too. I’ve been told by 3 different people when to take them all and they all say different things!
I’m totally overwhelmed by all the meds originally I was put on aspirin and esomeprazole then they added a statin and now I have had my pre op they have put me on clopidrogel too. I’ve been told by 3 different people when to take them all and they all say different things!
Forestdweller
in British Heart Foundation

Esomeprazole while on blood thinners

Hi, has anyone taking Nexium (Esomeprazole) while on blood thinner clopidergrel? I've learned that interacts with blood thinners but I have indigestion problem lately (had hiatus hernia in the past), and my GP wanted me to try Esomeprazole for 2 weeks and see if it helps.
Hi, has anyone taking Nexium (Esomeprazole) while on blood thinner clopidergrel? I've learned that interacts with blood thinners but I have indigestion problem lately (had hiatus hernia in the past), and my GP wanted me to try Esomeprazole for 2 weeks and see if it helps.
Lifam
in MPN Voice

Post heart attack readmission to A&E

I'm concerned about taking PPI (esomeprazole, omezaprole) for life as there are too many bad side effects. Thoughts? Why am I suddenly getting weird chest pains/feelings/discomfort after 10 weeks? Any advice appreciated
I'm concerned about taking PPI (esomeprazole, omezaprole) for life as there are too many bad side effects. Thoughts? Why am I suddenly getting weird chest pains/feelings/discomfort after 10 weeks? Any advice appreciated
gsw5700
in British Heart Foundation

Stomach pains and very upset tummy (sorry)

Hi all I get some very severe tummy pains along with an upset tummy I’m on esomeprazole and have had camera down into my tummy and they couldnt find anything it happens randomly and I wondered if there is no known cause could this be another symptom of fibro ?
Hi all I get some very severe tummy pains along with an upset tummy I’m on esomeprazole and have had camera down into my tummy and they couldnt find anything it happens randomly and I wondered if there is no known cause could this be another symptom of fibro ?
Forgetfulnana
in Fibromyalgia Action UK

Severe reflux

I have always suffered with reflux for which I have been taking esomeprazole for many years but I’m really struggling this week. Because the reflux is a lot worse to the extent I’m chewing a few gaviscon tablets each day and feel nauseous .
I have always suffered with reflux for which I have been taking esomeprazole for many years but I’m really struggling this week. Because the reflux is a lot worse to the extent I’m chewing a few gaviscon tablets each day and feel nauseous .
AnniesRyder5
in PMRGCAuk

Bronchiectasis sufferers do you get this ?

which I can only describe as a metal/iron type of taste if that makes sense, I've also had a lot of bloating in my stomach the last couple of weeks, which doesn't help when your trying to breath in, the GP prescribed some more pills for my stomach and a powder drink to loosen my bowel ( I also take esomeprazole
which I can only describe as a metal/iron type of taste if that makes sense, I've also had a lot of bloating in my stomach the last couple of weeks, which doesn't help when your trying to breath in, the GP prescribed some more pills for my stomach and a powder drink to loosen my bowel ( I also take esomeprazole
TG58
in British Lung Foundation

Suffering from acid reflux? How to beat the symptoms

For many people, this can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and/or medication prescribed by their GP such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole (as well as others).
For many people, this can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and/or medication prescribed by their GP such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole (as well as others).
The_OPAAdministrator
in Acid Reflux Support
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