Generic name: esomeprazole (oral) [ ee-so-MEP-ra-zol ]
Brand names: NexIUM, NexIUM 24HR, NexIUM 24HR Clearminis, Esomeprazole Strontium
Dosage forms: oral delayed release capsule (20 mg; 40 mg), oral delayed release tablet (20 mg), oral powder for reconstitution, delayed release (10 mg; 2.5 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Proton pump inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 8, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is esomeprazole?

Esomeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Esomeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Esomeprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Esomeprazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Esomeprazole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• seizure (convulsions);

• kidney problems-- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;

• low magnesium--dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or

• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use esomeprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.

Common side effects of esomeprazole may include:

• headache;

• diarrhea;

• nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation; or

• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Esomeprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.

Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.

Esomeprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking esomeprazole long term or more than once per day.

Before taking this medicine

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You should not use this medicine if:

• you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking esomeprazole in the past; or

• you are allergic to esomeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe liver disease;

• lupus;

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia); or

• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take esomeprazole?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal.

Swallow the pill whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

The esomeprazole capsule can be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Esomeprazole is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.

Use esomeprazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using esomeprazole.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of esomeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

omeprazole, amoxicillin, famotidine, pantoprazole, metronidazole, sucralfate, Nexium, Protonix, lansoprazole, Pepcid

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking esomeprazole?

esomeprazole can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What other drugs will affect esomeprazole?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect esomeprazole, especially:

• cilostazol;

• clopidogrel;

• diazepam;

• digoxin;

• erlotinib;

• iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and others);

• methotrexate;

• mycophenolate mofetil;

• rifampin;

• St. John's wort;

• tacrolimus;

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• antifungal medication--ketoconazole, voriconazole; or

• HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect esomeprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Nexium vs Prilosec: What's the difference between them?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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