Esomeprazole (Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate)


DNX1113.HTM

Esomeprazole (By mouth)
Esomeprazole (es-oh-ME-pray-zole)

Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and conditions that cause your stomach to make too much acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Also used with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers. Prevents stomach ulcers and stomach irritation in patients taking pain and arthritis drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for long periods of time.

Brand Name(s):Nexium
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or similar medicines such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), or rabeprazole (Aciphex®).

How to Use This Medicine:
Delayed Release Capsule, Packet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal.
  • Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the delayed-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Do not store any of the mixture for future use.
  • The medicine inside the delayed-release capsule may be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. To do this, open the capsule and empty the medicine granules into a syringe and mix in 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. Place the syringe plunger into the tube and shake the medicine mixture for 15 seconds. Make sure there are no medicine granules stuck in the tip of the syringe. Insert the syringe into the NG tube right away. Then draw 1 tablespoon of clear water into the syringe and insert it into the tube to rinse all of the medicine from the syringe.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using voriconazole (Vfend®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), iron supplements, or digoxin (Lanoxin®). Tell your doctor if you also use a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
  • This medicine is sometimes given together with clarithromycin (Biaxin®) to treat ulcers. Be sure you understand about the risks and proper use of any other medicines your doctor prescribes together with esomeprazole.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Bloody or black, tarry stools.
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat, sweating, warmth or redness in your face or upper chest.
  • Confusion or depressed mood.
  • Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, weakness, or pale skin.
  • Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Changes in your menstrual periods.
  • Dry mouth, increased or decreased appetite.
  • Headache, ear pain, or ringing in your ears.
  • Joint pain.
  • Nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, or constipation.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Weight increase or decrease.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.