WHAT TO KNOW
Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you
begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve
before the condition is fully treated. Do not
break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.
They are specially formulated to release slowly
in the body.
WHAT
IS IT
Esomeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced
in the stomach. Esomeprazole is used to treat
ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other
conditions involving excessive stomach acid
production. Esomeprazole may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Take esomeprazole exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these instructions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. Take each dose with a full glass
(8 ounces) of water. Esomeprazole should be
taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow
your doctor's instructions. Do not break or
chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They
are specially formulated to release slowly in
the body. If you have difficulty swallowing
the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can
be added to an empty bowl and the esomeprazole
capsule can be opened, and the pellets inside
the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce.
The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce
and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce
should not be hot and should be soft enough
to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets
should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet
/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for
later use. Do not stop taking esomeprazole even
if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may
improve before the condition is fully treated.
Store esomeprazole at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
MISSED
DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
OVER
DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
an esomeprazole overdose include:
drowsiness
shortness of breath
tremor
loss of coordination
seizures
SIDE
EFFECTS
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop
taking esomeprazole and seek emergency medical
attention. Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
esomeprazole and talk to your doctor if you
experience:
headache
diarrhea
nausea
flatulence
abdominal pain or constipation
dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor
if you have ever had any type of liver disease.
You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring. Esomeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to
harm an unborn baby. Do not take esomeprazole
without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant. It is not known whether esomeprazole
passes into breast milk. Do not take esomeprazole
without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. There are no restrictions
on food, beverages, or activities while taking
esomeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS
Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor
if you are taking any of the following medicines:
·
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others)
You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above. ? Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with esomeprazole. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
