Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Esomeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach). Esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Esomeprazole is also used to decrease the chance that people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will develop ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine). It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori). Esomeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

How should this medicine be used?

Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth or to open, mix with water, and give through a feeding tube and as granules to mix with water and take by mouth or give through a feeding tube. Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day at least 1 hour before a meal. When esomeprazole is used to treat certain conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, it is taken twice a day. Take esomeprazole at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take esomeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor or stated on the package.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put 1 tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one esomeprazole capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use.

To mix the granules, follow these steps:

  1. Place 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water into a cup.

  2. Open the esomeprazole packet and empty the granules into the cup containing the water.

  3. Stir the granules into the water and leave the mixture alone for 2 to 3 minutes so that it will thicken.

  4. Stir the mixture again, and drink all of the mixture within 30 minutes.

  5. If any material remains in the cup after drinking, add some more water and stir. Drink all of the mixture immediately.

The granules and the contents of the capsules can both be given through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor or pharmacist how you should take the medication. Follow those directions carefully.

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of esomeprazole. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve during this time. Continue to take esomeprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking esomeprazole without talking to your doctor.

If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking esomeprazole,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (AcipHex), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in esomeprazole capsules or powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); certain antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend); cilostazol (Pletal); diazepam (Valium); digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); iron supplements; and certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), and saquinavir (Invirase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking esomeprazole, call your doctor.
  • you may take antacids with esomeprazole. If you feel you need an antacid, ask your doctor to recommend one and to tell you when and how to take it.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Esomeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • headache

  • diarrhea

  • nausea

  • gas

  • stomach pain

  • constipation

  • dry mouth

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • blisters or peeling skin

  • hives

  • rash

  • itching

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

  • hoarseness

  • irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat

  • excessive tiredness

  • dizziness

  • lightheadedness

  • muscle spasms

  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

  • seizures

People who take proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age or older. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking esomeprazole.

Esomeprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.