About Esomeprazole 40 mg Tablet
Esomeprazole 40 mg Tablet contains Esomeprazole 40 mg. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduces the amount of acid made in the stomach. It is used to treat acid reflux (GERD), heartburn, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and, together with antibiotics, to clear H. pylori infection. It is usually taken once a day before a meal.
Uses of Esomeprazole 40 mg Tablet
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
- Healing of inflammation of the food pipe (erosive oesophagitis)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- H. pylori infection, together with antibiotics
- Preventing stomach ulcers in people taking NSAID pain killers
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Benefits
In acid reflux and ulcers
By lowering stomach acid, it eases heartburn and pain and lets the lining of the food pipe, stomach or gut heal. Take it for as long as your doctor advises.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea
- Wind (flatulence)
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe or watery diarrhoea that does not go away — contact your doctor
- Muscle cramps, shaking, fits or irregular heartbeat — may be signs of low magnesium with long-term use; contact your doctor
- Passing less urine, or blood in the urine — possible kidney inflammation; contact your doctor
- Rash, especially on sun-exposed skin, with joint pain — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day at least an hour before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
How it works
Esomeprazole blocks the proton pump, the final step that cells in the stomach lining use to release acid. This lowers acid levels in the stomach.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No important interaction is known, but alcohol can increase acid and irritate the stomach. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not known for certain whether it passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it.
Driving Caution
It is unlikely to affect driving, but it can occasionally cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
A dose change is usually not needed, but tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
In severe liver disease the dose may need to be limited. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it before a meal, ideally in the morning.
- Do not use it for longer than your doctor advises; long-term use needs review.
- See a doctor if you have trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools.
- Eating smaller meals and not lying down soon after eating can help reflux.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Benzimidazole derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal
- Action class
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Clopidogrel | Esomeprazole can reduce its effect in preventing clots; usually avoided together |
| Atazanavir and nelfinavir (HIV medicines) | Reduced absorption and effect — should not be used together |
| Methotrexate (high dose) | Its levels may rise |
| Warfarin, phenytoin and diazepam | Their levels or effects may increase |
| Ketoconazole, itraconazole and iron tablets | Lower stomach acid can reduce their absorption |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Esomeprazole prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: esomeprazole). Pharmacist review pending.