Brand Name
Nexium
Common Name
esomeprazole
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02244521 | NEXIUM 20MG TABLET |
| 02244522 | NEXIUM 40MG TABLET |
| 02300524 | NEXIUM 10MG SACHET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Esomeprazole belongs to the family of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, reflux esophagitis) by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Esomeprazole is also sometimes used along with antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers that are caused by bacteria known as H. pylori.
Esomeprazole can also be used to treat or reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to medications that irritate the stomach known as NSAIDs. It is also used to treat conditions associated with the over-production of stomach acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of esomeprazole to treat reflux esophagitis is 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. Treatment may be maintained at a dose of 20 mg once daily.
To treat GERD or heartburn, the recommended does is 20 mg taken once daily for 2 to 4 weeks. To treat or prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use, the dose is 20 mg once daily.
To treat stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori in adults, the dose of esomeprazole is 20 mg twice daily taken with amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily - all for 7 days.
For children 12 months to 11 years of age, the recommended dose of esomeprazole to treat GERD is 10 mg to 20 mg (depending on the child's weight) once daily for 8 weeks.
Esomeprazole tablets should be swallowed whole - do not crush, or chew it. Alternatively, the tablet may be stirred into half a glass of noncarbonated water until it disintegrates. Drink the liquid containing the small pellets of medication immediately or within 30 minutes. To ensure you get the full dose of the medication, rinse the glass with more water and drink it.
The sachets of esomeprazole contain granules for oral suspension. Pour all the granules of one sachet into a glass containing one tablespoon (15 mL) of water, stir, and leave for a few minutes to allow the mixture to thicken. Stir again and drink it within 30 minutes. To ensure you get the full dose of the medication, rinse the glass with more water and drink it.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablets
20 mg
Each light pink, oblong, biconvex, tablet, marked "20 mg" on one side and "A/EH" on the other, contains 20 mg of esomeprazole. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose microcrystalline, crospovidone, glyceryl monostearate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ethylacrylate copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate, sodium stearyl fumarate, sugar spheres, synthetic paraffin, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
40 mg
Each pink, oblong, biconvex, tablet, marked "40 mg" on one side and "A/EI" on the other contains 40 mg of esomeprazole. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose microcrystalline, crospovidone, glyceryl monostearate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ethylacrylate copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate, sodium stearyl fumarate, sugar spheres, synthetic paraffin, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
Sachet for oral suspension
Each sachet of fine pale yellow delayed release granules contains 10 mg of esomeprazole. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dextrose, crospovidone, citric acid, glycerol monostearate, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polysorbate, sugar spheres, talc, triethyl citrate, and xanthan gum.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Esomeprazole should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to esomeprazole or any of the ingredients of the medication.
Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
