Esomeprazole works in the gastrointestinal tract by reducing gastric acidity, a condition that causes pain, burning, and inflammation in the stomach .
It is estimated that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affects approximately 40% of the Spanish population , including patients between 40 and 50 years of age.
This condition can give rise to other complex conditions and can even be said to affect the patient’s quality of life. In this regard, there are carefully formulated drugs to provide immediate relief to the stomach tract, while preventing other medical conditions.
In this post we will discuss what uses are given to Esomeprazole, possible side effects and precautions.
What is Esomeprazole?
- Formula: C 17H 19 N 3 O 3 S
- Molar mass: 345.417 g/mol
- CAS number: 161796-78-7
- Half-life: 1.3 hours
- Melting Point: 155 °C (311 °F)
- Weight: 345.416 g/Mol
- Routes of administration: Routes of administration: Intravenous; Oral
It is a drug that belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitor drugs, which affect the stomach, in such a way that it decreases stomach acid.
Reflux causes pain, inflammation and burning, however, Esomeprazole reduces excessive acidity and prevents further damage related to this condition.
For which conditions is Esomeprazole prescribed?
This medication inhibits basal and stimulated acid secretion, thus treating gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn).
Next, we will indicate what Esomeprazole is used for:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux
- Helps cure esophagitis
- Prevent ulcers in patients receiving NSAID treatments
- Treats and prevents stomach ulcers caused by bacteria
- Treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Heartburn
Injected esomeprazole may help reduce the risk of ulcer bleeding after endoscopy.
It is possible that the doctor indicates another type of use of this medicine, however, it is the specialist who can determine other uses of it. It should not be administered without medical supervision.
Esomeprazole Brand Names
- Nexium®
- Nexium IV®
- Nexium® 24HR
- Vimovo® (contains esomeprazole and naproxen)
How is Esomeprazole used?
Esomeprazole can be obtained from pharmacies with a prescription. It is delicate in use.
It can be administered in patients from 1 year of age.
It can be given orally (capsules or tablets) and intravenously (a doctor or nurse must give it into a vein).
With regard to oral dosing, there are delayed-release capsules , which can be taken one hour before a meal; usually once a day.
Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose, for example twice a day. However, it is the specialist that; considering the condition to be treated, make the dosage adjustment. Treatment is usually indicated for approximately 14 days.
Regarding the presentation of Esomeprazole injection, it can be indicated once a day (GERD treatment), instead, to prevent rebleeding after an endoscopy, it is usually used as a continuous intravenous infusion for 72 hours.
Esomeprazole Side Effects
Esomeprazole is not immune to side effects, so symptoms may be mild and temporary . However, if they do not disappear or even become serious, we recommend going to a nearby health center.
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- Upset stomach ( diarrhea, constipation , gas…)
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Reaction at the injection site (in intravenous administration).
Some symptoms can be serious , so immediate action is essential when seeking medical help.
- Blisters or rashes
- Lesions or sores on the lips, face, etc.
- respiratory distress
- little desire to eat
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- dizziness
- stool changes
- Stomachache
- Fatigue
- Changes in urine (blood)
- joint pain
What precautions should be taken before using Esomeprazole?
Before starting a treatment with Esomeprazole, we recommend telling the doctor openly all the details of the possible condition, as well as the medical history and other relevant factors, since this allows the specialist to determine if the use of Esomeprazole is really beneficial in each case.
- Esomeprazole may reduce the effectiveness of other treatments, eg ketoconazole, itraconazole, erlotinib.
- Esomeprazole can increase the absorption and bioavailability of digoxin, so it is extremely important to monitor the effects of these drugs in the body, in order to adjust the dose.
- It should be used with caution in pediatric patients.
- It is important to inform the doctor how long you have heartburn.
- Indicate to the specialist the medical history, pathologies, medications with or without prescription, as well as the use of natural medicine.
Contraindications of Esomeprazole
This drug is contraindicated in some patients or medical circumstances. We recommend reading the following list carefully:
- Contraindicated in people hypersensitive to Esomeprazole or similar drugs: lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, among others.
- It is not recommended in patients with severe liver problems.
- Should not be given to people with severe kidney disease
- It is contraindicated during pregnancyor lactation , unless the doctor indicates it (he will be the one who weighs the benefits with the risks).
- It should not be combined with nelfinavir, atazanavir, clopidogrel.
- It is contraindicated in children under 1 year of age.
- Esomeprazole should not be taken while using St. John’s wort.
In short, Nexium®; as it is also known, it is an effective drug to treat reflux or heartburn. In the same way, it helps to combat symptoms associated with the development of ulcers and other problems of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be obtained with a prescription.
