Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs). It is prescribed for the treatment of conditions caused by too much production of acid in the stomach such as:

• Heartburn due to erosive esophagitis
• GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD in adult and children 1 month of age and older
• Stomach ulcers in adults due to H. pylori infection (used with other medications)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults, a condition where the stomach produces too much acids.

Esomeprazole helps decrease acid in the stomach. It helps relieve symptoms of GERD such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn and persistent cough. It heals the damage in the esophagus and stomach due to the acid, preventing ulcers and even cancer of the esophagus.

How to Use It

Esomeprazole is available as generic and brand names. The non-prescription drug comes as a delayed-release capsule and tablet. Take the medication as directed by your physician. Esomeprazole is available here.

• GERD/ Erosive Esophagitis

The dose for an adult is 20 mg to 40 mg a day for 4 to 8 weeks. The maintenance dose is 20 mg a day. The dose for children ages 12 to 17 years of age is 20 mg or 40 mg a day for 4 to 8 weeks. The dose for children ages 1 to 11 years old is 10 mg a day for 8 weeks.

• Stomach Ulcers

The dose for an adult is 20mg to 40mg a day for 6 months.

• pylori infection

The typical dose for an adult is 40 mg a day for 10 days along with an antibiotic.

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

The typical dose is 40 mg two times a day to 240 mg a day.

Possible Side Effects of Esomeprazole

Common side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Constipation

Serious side effects are:

• Severe diarrhea
• Bone fracture
• Atrophic gastritis
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Severe allergic reaction
• Inflammation of the kidney
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood

Getting the Best Result from Esomeprazole

• Long-term use of this medication can cause a bone fracture in the hips, wrist and spine. It may also cause low levels of magnesium in your blood and swelling of the stomach lining. Long-term use can also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12.
• Do not take this medication for the immediate relief of heartburn. Do not take OTC Esomeprazole for longer than 14 days or more often than once every 4 months.
• Do not take Esomeprazole with drugs like warfarin. Tell your doctor if you are using other medications for your conditions.