Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole is categorised as a type of medicine called ‘proton pump inhibitors’. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach. 

It is used in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid which is found in the stomach splashes back into the throat and causes pain and inflammation. Sometimes stomach ulcers can be caused by certain medicines such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). An excess of acid in the stomach can be caused by other conditions, such as a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

It is also used in ulcers in the stomach or upper part of the gut caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori as part of triple therapy with other medicines.

Esomeprazole is a prescription-only medicine and therefore, you need a prescription from your doctor to purchase this medicine online. You are welcome to book an appointment with a health expert at Click Pharmacy to discuss how best to use this product. It can be purchased online in doses of 20mg or 40mg in packs of 28 gastro-resistant tablets and will be sent directly to you by Next Day Delivery.

Esomeprazole is available in 20mg or 40mg tablets. The dose needed depends on the condition and its severity. The length of treatment also depends on the age of the patient and the condition of the patient’s liver. The doctor will prescribe the correct dose and amount that should be taken. 

Doses may vary depending on the factors affecting the patient. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor and pharmacist closely.

Esomeprazole is available in 20mg or 40mg tablets. The dose needed depends on the condition and its severity. The length of treatment also depends on the age of the patient and the condition of the patient’s liver. The doctor will prescribe the correct dose and amount that should be taken. 

Esomeprazole is used in adults aged 12 years and over. The tablets can be taken with or without food but should be swallowed with a glass of water.

In adults aged 18 years and over, these are the recommended doses. 

Doses may vary depending on the factors affecting the patient. It is essential to follow the instructions given by the doctor and pharmacist carefully.

In the treatment of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease:

If the food pipe has been slightly damaged, one tablet of 40mg Esomeprazole should be taken once a day for four weeks. The doctor may decide to examine the patient after four weeks, and sometimes this treatment is repeated for another four weeks.

Once the gullet (the tube which connects the throat to the stomach) has healed, the dose may be decreased to 20mg daily.

In the treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori:

The recommended dose is one 20mg Esomeprazole tablet twice a day for one week. The doctor will prescribe two types of antibiotics in conjunction with this treatment - this is called ‘triple therapy’.

In the treatment of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDS:

The recommended dose is one 20mg Esomeprazole tablet once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. The duration of treatment will be assessed by the doctor and depends on whether therapy on NSAIDs can be stopped.

In the prevention of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDS, either in patients prone to acidity or with medicines likely to cause excess acidity:

The recommended dose is one 20mg Esomeprazole tablet once a day during therapy with NSAIDs.

To treat excess stomach acid caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome):

The recommended dose is 40mg Esomeprazole twice a day. The doctor will adjust the dose depending on the needs of the patient, and decide on the duration of treatment. The maximum dose is 80mg twice a day.

In adults aged 12 years and over, these are the recommended doses:

In the treatment of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease:

If the food pipe has been slightly damaged, one tablet of 40mg Esomeprazole should be taken once a day for four weeks. 

Once the gullet (the tube which connects the throat to the stomach) has healed, the dose may be decreased to 20mg daily.

In the treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori:

The recommended dose is one 20mg Esomeprazole tablet twice a day for one week. The doctor will prescribe two types of antibiotics in conjunction with this treatment - this is called ‘triple therapy’.

Esomeprazole is categorised as a type of medicine called ‘proton pump inhibitors’. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach. It is used in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach or upper part of the gut caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, stomach ulcers caused by certain medicines such as NSAIDs, as well as too much acid in the stomach caused by other conditions.

It is available in gastro-resistant tablets of 20mg or 40mg.

The duration of treatment with esomeprazole depends on the condition of the patient. The doctor will assess this. 

Depending on the damage made by acid before treatment was started, and also on concurrent medication taken, the difference may be felt sooner as well as later. This will vary from patient to patient.

Since the pain and discomfort of heart attacks sometimes resemble that of heartburn, emergency help should be sought if chest pain spreads to the jaws or shoulders or is accompanied by anxiety or light-headedness. 

Medical attention should also be sought if there are any of the following symptoms:

• Weight loss with no explanation

• Difficulty swallowing

• Vomiting of food or blood

• Passing of black or blood-stained stools in the absence of haemorrhoids

Like with all medicines, esomeprazole can have side effects, but not everybody gets them. 

These can include:

Commonly: headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, the appearance of benign polyps in the stomach

Uncommonly: swelling of the ankles and feet, sleep disturbances, dizziness, pins and needles, sleepiness, vertigo, dry mouth, changes in blood test results, skin rash or hives. Fracture of the hip, wrist, or spine has been reported when esomeprazole is used in high doses and over a long period of time.

Rarely: blood problems such as reduced white cells or platelets, low sodium levels, agitation, confusion, depression, eyesight problems, inflammation of the inside of the mouth, hair loss, skin rash on exposure to sunlight, increased sweating, joint or muscle pain, liver problems, taste changes, thrush infection, sudden shortness of breath.

Very rarely: lack of white blood cells, aggression, hallucinations, severe liver problems, sudden onset of severe rash, muscle weakness, severe kidney problems, enlarged breasts in men.

Esomeprazole should be stopped immediately, and a doctor contacted if any of the following serious side effects occur: sudden wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue or mouth, difficulty in swallowing, rash and fainting, reddening and blistering of the skin, yellow skin and dark urine. 

Please speak to your doctor or consult our specialists at Click Pharmacy should you require any further advice.

Esomeprazole should not be taken if there is an allergy to any of its ingredients or to other proton pump inhibitors. Patients should not take it on nelfinavir (used to treat the infection with HIV).

Caution should be exercised in those with severe liver or kidney problems, in those who have had reactions to medicines with similar actions to esomeprazole, and in patients due for the specific blood test Chromogranin A.

The doctor should always be advised about any over the counter or prescription medicines that are being taken by the patient at the time when treatment is commenced.

Since the pain and discomfort of heart attacks sometimes resemble that of heartburn, emergency help should be sought if chest pain spreads to the jaws or shoulders or is accompanied by anxiety or light-headedness. 

Medical attention should also be sought if there are any of the following symptoms:

• Weight loss with no explanation

• Difficulty swallowing

• Vomiting of food or blood

• Passing of black or blood-stained stools in the absence of haemorrhoids

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment. The patient information can be found here.

Content reviewed 06 April 2020, Last updated 06 April 2020