A common health problem for many people in our country is gastritis, or as we all know it, stomach inflammation. Esomeprazole is a drug that is often recommended when you go to see a doctor. Maybe your doctor has given you this drug, or someone in your family is using it. So today, let's talk about what this Esomeprazole, that is, this drug that comes under brand names like Nexium, is, how exactly it is used, and what we need to be careful about when taking it.
What is this medicine called Esomeprazole?
Simply put, Esomeprazole is a medication that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces . It is mainly used to treat conditions like heartburn, stomach ulcers, and reflux disease or GERD.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) . This class of medications works by blocking the pumps in your stomach that produce acid. This reduces the amount of acid in your stomach and helps control your symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important that your doctor knows about your other health conditions before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have been reported to have low mineral levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood.
- If you have a condition called Lupus .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this Esomeprazole medicine or any other PPI medicine, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and what dosage to give it.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
To get the best results from Esomeprazole, it should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before meals .
- Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water.
- Never chew, crush, or break the capsule. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- Suppose you have difficulty swallowing a seed. If so, you can carefully open the seed, put the tiny seeds inside in a tablespoon of something like applesauce, and swallow them whole without chewing. But it's best to ask your doctor about this too.
- Take only the prescribed dose, as prescribed by your doctor. Even if your symptoms subside after a few days, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
What if I miss a dose or take too much?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with Esomeprazole (Drug Interactions)
Some other medications you take can interact with Esomeprazole and cause problems. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and even herbal products).
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Drugs that are not recommended to be taken with Esomeprazole | |
| Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Rilpivirine | These are antiviral medications for HIV. Esomeprazole may reduce their effectiveness. |
| Clopidogrel | A medicine used to prevent blood clots. Esomeprazole may interfere with its effectiveness. |
| Other medications that you should inform your doctor about if you are taking them with Esomeprazole | |
| Antifungals | Ex: Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Blood thinners | Ex: Warfarin |
| Digoxin | A medicine for heart disease. |
| Methotrexate | A medicine given for conditions such as cancer and arthritis. |
| Other... | Many other drugs such as Citalopram, Diazepam, Phenytoin, Rifampin, Tacrolimus, St. John's wort. |
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
Although Esomeprazole is generally a safe medication, there are some things to be aware of, especially when using it for a long time .
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medication. If it lasts more than two days, especially if it is severe and watery, talk to your doctor instead of taking over-the-counter medication.
- Bone health: Taking this medication for many years can weaken bones, especially in older adults, and may slightly increase the risk of bone fractures . Talk to your doctor about this and see if you need calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Long-term use can reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12 . This can lead to symptoms such as numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and memory loss. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
- Stomach Polyps: Very rarely, small growths (polyps) may develop in the stomach of people taking this medicine for a long time. These are usually not cancerous. However, if you experience unusual stomach pain, nausea, or black stools, tell your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Esomeprazole can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Decreased magnesium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Severe diarrhea | Profuse, watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth), and worsening of sunburn on the cheeks or hands. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Dry mouth | Gas |
Take-Home Message
- Always take Esomeprazole on an empty stomach, about an hour before meals .
- Swallow the medicine whole, without chewing or crushing it.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you are using the medication for a long time, talk to your doctor about the possible risks (bones, vitamin B12).
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe diarrhea or allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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