Esomeprazole (marketed under the brand name
Nexium®) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions within the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Nexium is also known as "the purple pill" because it is a purple capsule with two or three gold rings, depending on the strength.
Esomeprazole is manufactured by AstraZeneca and sold under the brand name Nexium.
What Is Esomeprazole Used For?
This medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include:
- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Treatment of erosive esophagitis
- Prevention of stomach ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
-
Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (in which stomach acid is greatly overproduced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Esomeprazole is part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It decreases the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites.
Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, helping
heartburn and other
GERD symptoms go away. Also, by lowering the amount of stomach acid, any damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines has time to heal.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take esomeprazole include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule and powder form (used to make an oral suspension). Normally, it should be taken once a day, at least one hour before a meal.
- Esomeprazole should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your system.
- The powder comes in single-dose packets. Mix one packet with 15 mL (1 tablespoon) of water and let sit for two or three minutes to thicken. Stir and drink within 30 minutes. If any medication remains in the container, add more water, stir, and drink again.
- For esomeprazole to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of esomeprazole your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
Side Effects of Esomeprazole
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with esomeprazole. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Esomeprazole Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking esomeprazole, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Have liver disease or liver failure
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any allergies.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much esomeprazole may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Esomeprazole Be Stored?
Esomeprazole should be stored at room temperature. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your esomeprazole as scheduled, take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. Never take a double dose.
Strengths of Esomeprazole
Esomeprazole comes in a number of strengths and forms. These include:
