Esomeprazole Magnesium
Esomeprazole Magnesium
Esomeprazole magnesium is an FDA-approved medication. It is a proton pump inhibitor used primarily to manage GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and risks of stomach ulcers from NSAIDs. Available as an oral delayed-release capsule in 20 mg and 40 mg strengths, it works by reducing stomach acid production. Key side effects include headache, diarrhea, and nausea, with serious risks like severe diarrhea, bone breaks, and kidney damage for long-term use. Always consult your primary care physician when starting or changing the dosage.
Product Overview
Esomeprazole magnesium, a proton pump inhibitor, effectively decreases stomach acid by blocking the stomach’s proton pumps. This medication is crucial for treating various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, & the prevention & treatment of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or H. pylori infections.
Esomeprazole comes in oral delayed-release capsules of 20 mg and 40 mg strengths, typically taken one hour before meals to maximize absorption. Prescribed dosages vary based on the condition, ranging from 20 mg to 40 mg daily, with adjustments necessary for severe liver issues or pediatric patients. Common side effects experienced by adults and children include headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
More severe effects like bone fractures and kidney damage can occur with long-term use though. Coordination with a healthcare provider is essential to customize dosage and manage risks, especially when considering potential drug interactions with medications like clopidogrel and diazepam.
What Is Esomeprazole Magnesium Used For?
Esomeprazole magnesium is a medication used to manage and treat several stomach-related conditions:
- It’s used for long-term treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, which causes the stomach to produce too much acid.
- It helps prevent and treat stomach ulcers that can be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly taken for pain and inflammation.
- Esomeprazole magnesium is used for short-term treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
- It’s also used to treat infections caused by H. pylori bacteria, which can lead to ulcers in the stomach.
What Strengths Does Esomeprazole Come In?
This drug comes in an oral delayed-release tablet and is available in the following strengths:
- Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet
- Esomeprazole 40 mg tablet
What Is the Typical Dosage of Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole dosage can vary based on the specific health condition being treated, its severity, and the form of medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Dosage for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis
- Adults (ages 18 and older):
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- Healing Erosive Esophagitis: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. If symptoms persist, treatment may be repeated for another 4 to 8 weeks.
- Maintenance of Healed Erosive Esophagitis: 20 mg once daily.
- Treatment of Symptomatic GERD: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks.
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- Children (ages 12 to 17 years):
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- Healing Erosive Esophagitis: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
- Symptomatic GERD: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks.
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- Children (ages 1 to 11 years):
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- Symptomatic GERD: 10 mg once daily for 8 weeks.
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- Erosive Esophagitis:
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- Children under 44 lb (20 kg): 10 mg once daily for 8 weeks.
- Children 44 lb (20 kg) or more: 10 mg or 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks.
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- Infants (ages 1 to 11 months):
- Erosive Esophagitis Due to GERD:
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- 6.6–11 lb (3–5 kg): 2.5 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks.
- 11–16.5 lb (>5–7.5 kg): 5 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks.
- 16.5–26.5 lb (>7.5–12 kg): 10 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks.
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- Infants (younger than 1 month): Esomeprazole has not been studied in infants younger than one month old.
Dosage for Stomach Ulcer
- Adults (ages 18 and older): 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for up to 6 months.
- Children (ages 0 to 17 years): Not studied in children for this condition.
Dosage for H. pylori Infection
- Adults (ages 18 and older): Typically, 40 mg once daily for 10 days, taken with amoxicillin and clarithromycin.
- Children (ages 0 to 17 years): Not studied in children for this condition.
Dosage for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Adults (ages 18 and older): Typical dosage is 40 mg twice per day, with doses up to 240 mg per day as needed.
- Children (ages 0 to 17 years): Not studied in children for this condition.
Special Dosage Considerations
- For Severe Liver Problems: The maximum recommended dose of Esomeprazole should not exceed 20 mg per day.
[Important Warning: This drug comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.]
How to Take Esomeprazole Magnesium?
Taking Esomeprazole Magnesium correctly is essential for it to be effective and to minimize potential risks. Below is a guide on how to use this medication properly:
- Timing with Meals: Always take Esomeprazole Magnesium at least one hour before you eat. This timing helps the medication absorb better into your system.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Schedule: Take Esomeprazole Magnesium at the times recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from it.
- Proper Consumption of Capsules:
- It’s important to swallow the capsules whole.
- Do not chew or crush them.
- If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you can open it and sprinkle its contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce.
- Eat this mixture immediately without chewing the granules, and do not save it for later.
- Adhering to Prescribed Directions: Follow your doctor’s instructions closely regarding how much and how often to take this drug. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to reduce your risk of side effects.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition and following guidelines on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Esomeprazole Magnesium Work?
Esomeprazole magnesium falls into a category of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Like other drugs in this class, it is used to treat conditions that involve excess stomach acid. Esomeprazole works by blocking a specific part of the cells in your stomach known as the proton pump. This pump is responsible for the final step in the production of stomach acid. By inhibiting the action of this pump, esomeprazole effectively reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, helping to alleviate symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as heartburn and acid reflux.
What Are the Important Safety Information for Esomeprazole?
What Are the Side Effects of Esomeprazole Magnesium?
Esomeprazole magnesium may cause side effects ranging from common to serious. Here’s what you might experience:
Common Side Effects of Esomeprazole Magnesium
Most side effects from Esomeprazole magnesium are mild and tend to resolve on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks. Here are some that adults might experience:
- Constipation
- Passing gas (flatulence)
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
For children, especially babies, the common side effects can also include:
- An increased breathing rate
- Regurgitating food (burping up food)
If these effects are mild, they usually disappear after a short time. However, if they are severe or don’t go away, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects of Esomeprazole Magnesium
Some side effects of Esomeprazole magnesium can be more serious and will require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you experience these. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms include:
- Severe Diarrhea:
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- Stomach pain
- Watery stools
- Persistent fever
- Bone Breaks: Long-term daily use may increase the risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine due to osteoporosis.
- Atrophic Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can happen with long-term use. Symptoms might include weight loss, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Low Blood Levels of Magnesium: Symptoms might include dizziness, seizures, an abnormal or fast heart rate, jitteriness, muscle weakness, spasms in your hands and feet, cramps, muscle aches, or spasms of the voice box.
- Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Long-term use can affect how your body absorbs vitamin B-12, leading to nervousness, nerve pain, tingling, numbness in your hands and feet, poor muscular coordination, and unusually heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Allergic Reaction: Symptoms might include difficulty breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath, swelling of your face, throat, or tongue, itching, or signs of kidney damage like reduced urination, pain in your side and back, chest tightness, skin paleness or redness, and a feeling of panic or impending doom.
- Inflammation in Your Kidneys: This can occur at any time during treatment and may be part of an allergic reaction. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure (leading to fainting and dizziness), and decreased urination.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE): These are autoimmune conditions that can manifest as skin rashes, fever, fatigue, weight loss, blood clots, and heartburn.
- Fundic Gland Polyps: These growths in the stomach usually do not cause symptoms but are noted as a potential side effect.
If you experience any of these serious side effects, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Always discuss any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re using the medication safely and effectively.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
What Is the Warning for Esomeprazole?
Here are some important warnings to consider before starting treatment with Esomeprazole:
- Kidney Damage Warning: Esomeprazole might harm your kidneys. If you experience pain on the side of your back or notice changes in how often or how much you urinate, these could be signs of kidney problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
- Severe Diarrhea Warning: This medication can cause a type of severe diarrhea linked to Clostridium difficile. This condition can range from mild diarrhea to serious inflammation of your colon, which can be life-threatening. If you start having diarrhea while taking Esomeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.
- Long-term Use Warning: Using Esomeprazole for a long period increases certain risks. It can raise your chances of osteoporosis-related fractures in your hip, wrist, or spine. It may also lead to inflammation in your stomach lining and lower the levels of magnesium in your blood. Long-term use might make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, potentially causing a deficiency. Discuss with your doctor how long you should safely use this medication.
- CLE and SLE Warning: Esomeprazole can trigger cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which are types of autoimmune diseases. CLE can cause skin rashes, including raised, scaly, red, or purple rashes on parts of the body. SLE symptoms may include fever, tiredness, weight loss, blood clots, heartburn, and stomach pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know.
- Fundic Gland Polyps Warning: Long-term use of Esomeprazole, especially for more than one year, may lead to the growth of fundic gland polyps in your stomach. These are benign growths that could potentially turn cancerous. To minimize this risk, use Esomeprazole for the shortest time that is effective for your condition.
- Allergy Warning: Esomeprazole magnesium can cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience allergic symptoms like Difficulty breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath, swelling of your face, throat, or tongue, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
[Note: Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).]
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Taking Esomeprazole?
When starting Esomeprazole, it’s important to consider some precautions to ensure it is safe for your specific health situation. Here’s a guide to what you should be aware of:
- For People with Severe Liver Problems: Esomeprazole is broken down by your liver. If you have severe liver disease, your liver might not process this drug properly, which could lead to higher levels of the drug in your body and increase your risk of side effects.
- For People with Low Magnesium Levels: If you take Esomeprazole for three months or more, it could lower the magnesium levels in your blood. If your magnesium levels are already low, this could make them drop even further. Your doctor might give you magnesium supplements and check your levels regularly.
- For People with Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Using Esomeprazole for two to three years may reduce the amount of vitamin B-12 in your blood. If you already have low vitamin B-12 levels, this could make them worse. Your doctor may treat you with vitamin B-12 injections and monitor your levels.
- For People with Osteoporosis: Taking Esomeprazole daily for a long period can increase your risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine.
- For People Who Are Having Tests for Neuroendocrine Tumors: Esomeprazole can alter the balance of acid in your stomach, which might cause a test for neuroendocrine tumors to falsely indicate the presence of a tumor.
- For Pregnant Women: The effects of Esomeprazole on an unborn baby are not fully known, as there haven’t been enough studies in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use this medication only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- For Women Who Are Breastfeeding: Esomeprazole may pass into breast milk and could cause side effects in a breastfeeding infant. Talk to your doctor if you’re breastfeeding. You may need to choose between stopping breastfeeding or stopping the medication.
- For Children: Esomeprazole has not been studied in children younger than one month old.
What If You Miss a Dose of Esomeprazole?
It’s important for Esomeprazole to be present in your body at consistent levels for it to work effectively. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, just take the one dose. Don’t double up or take two doses at once to make up for the missed one; this could lead to unwanted side effects.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much Esomeprazole?
Taking too much Esomeprazole can lead to potentially dangerous levels of the medication in your body. Symptoms of an overdose might include:
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- A fast heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Flushing (your face may feel warm and look red)
- Dry mouth
- Headache
If you believe you’ve taken too much Esomeprazole, contact your doctor or reach out to the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222, or use their online tool for guidance. If your symptoms feel severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. It’s always best to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule for Esomeprazole to avoid these issues, and keep your medication working as it should.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How Do You Store Esomeprazole Magnesium?
Storing Esomeprazole magnesium correctly is important to ensure the medication remains effective. Here’s a simple guide on how to store it properly:
- Temperature Requirements: Keep Esomeprazole Magnesium at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
- Protect from Light: Store the medication away from direct light, which can degrade its quality over time.
- Container Care: Always keep the container of the capsules tightly closed to protect them from moisture and air.
- Avoid Moist or Damp Locations: Do not store Esomeprazole Magnesium in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms, where humidity can affect the medication.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Drugs Interact with Esomeprazole Magnesium?
Esomeprazole magnesium can interact with various medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. It’s important to understand these interactions because they can change how Esomeprazole works, which might be harmful or prevent the drug from working correctly.
Always consult with your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking to avoid interactions and ensure your treatments are safe and effective.
Drugs You Should Not Take with Esomeprazole
- Clopidogrel: Esomeprazole can reduce the effectiveness of Clopidogrel, a medication used to prevent blood clots. If you are taking Clopidogrel, your doctor might need to prescribe a different medication that doesn’t interact with Esomeprazole.
Drugs That Increase Your Risk of Side Effects When Taken with Esomeprazole
- Diazepam: Esomeprazole can cause Diazepam, a medication used for anxiety, to build up in your body, leading to more side effects.
- Warfarin: Esomeprazole can enhance the effects of Warfarin, a blood thinner, increasing your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will need to monitor you closely and may need to adjust your Warfarin dosage.
- Cilostazol: Esomeprazole slows down the breakdown of Cilostazol, used to treat circulation issues. This can lead to higher levels of Cilostazol in your body. Your doctor may reduce your dosage of Cilostazol.
- Digoxin: Esomeprazole can increase the levels of Digoxin, a heart medication, in your body. Your doctor may need to monitor your Digoxin levels and adjust your dosage accordingly.
- Methotrexate: High levels of Methotrexate, a medication used for cancer and autoimmune diseases, can build up in your body when taken with Esomeprazole, leading to serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, and kidney damage. Your doctor may stop Esomeprazole temporarily if you are taking a high dose of Methotrexate.
- Saquinavir: Esomeprazole may increase the levels of Saquinavir, an antiviral drug, increasing the risk of side effects such as fatigue and liver damage. Your doctor might monitor you more closely and adjust your Saquinavir dosage if necessary.
- Tacrolimus: Esomeprazole can increase the levels of Tacrolimus, a medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection, which could lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage. Your doctor will likely monitor your Tacrolimus levels and adjust your dosage as needed.
Drugs That Make Esomeprazole Less Effective
- Certain Antiretrovirals: Drugs like Atazanavir and Nelfinavir may not be absorbed well if taken with Esomeprazole, reducing their effectiveness in treating viral infections. These should not be taken together.
- Mycophenolate Mofetil: Esomeprazole can affect how well you absorb this medication, which could impact its effectiveness for preventing organ transplant rejection. Discuss its use with your doctor.
- St. John’s Wort and Rifampin: These can lower the effectiveness of Esomeprazole in treating your condition. Avoid using these together with Esomeprazole.
To find out how Esomeprazole might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Managing your medications carefully is crucial to preventing harmful interactions and ensuring your treatments work well together.
What Are the Other Esomeprazole Magnesium Interactions?
Esomeprazole magnesium can interact with certain foods and supplements, which may affect how well the medication works. Here’s what you need to know about these interactions:
- Food Interactions with Esomeprazole Magnesium: It’s best to take Esomeprazole on an empty stomach to ensure it absorbs properly. To maximize absorption, take this medication at least one hour before meals. Eating too close to your dose may decrease the amount of the drug that gets into your body, making it less effective.
- Herbal Remedies and Supplement Interactions: You should avoid taking certain herbal remedies, such as St. John’s Wort, while on Esomeprazole. St. John’s Wort is often used to treat depression but can interfere with how well Esomeprazole works, reducing its effectiveness.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Esomeprazole Magnesium. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Esomeprazole Magnesium Alternatives?
If Esomeprazole magnesium doesn’t suit your needs, or if you’re interested in exploring other options, there are several alternatives you can consider:
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Rolaids Extra Strength (calcium carbonate-magnesium hydroxide)
- Zantac 360 Maximum Strength (ranitidine)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Nexium (Esomeprazole)
- Tums (calcium carbonate)
- Omeprazole
- Gaviscon (aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate)
- Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide-magnesium hydroxide-simethicone)
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Pepcid AC Maximum Strength (famotidine)
- Nizatidine
- Tagamet HB 200 (cimetidine)
- Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Carafate (sucralfate)
- Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate)
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Esomeprazole Magnesium Cost & Coupons
Esomeprazole Magnesium is used for treating conditions like GERD and excessive stomach acid, and the costs in the U.S. can be prohibitive. By opting to buy Esomeprazole Magnesium online from Canada via Polar Bear Meds, you gain access to much more affordable prices. Apply the Esomeprazole coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” at checkout to get an extra 10% off your first order. Don’t forget to take advantage of our referral program, which could further reduce your overall healthcare expenses by up to $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to take Esomeprazole magnesium?
Ideally, you should take Esomeprazole magnesium about an hour before you eat. This timing helps the medicine absorb properly and work effectively. If you’re also taking antibiotics like amoxicillin or clarithromycin for an H. pylori infection, it’s a good idea to take them together with Esomeprazole to enhance the treatment effectiveness.
How long does it take for Esomeprazole magnesium to work?
You might notice some improvement as soon as one day after starting Esomeprazole, but it usually takes around three to four days to feel a significant relief from your symptoms. Remember to keep taking the medication for the entire duration prescribed by your doctor to fully heal and prevent long-term issues.
When is the best time to take Esomeprazole at night?
Yes, if you need to take Esomeprazole at night, the best time is one to two hours before you go to bed. This helps manage acid reflux symptoms more effectively during the night.
Do you take Esomeprazole with water?
Absolutely, you should take Esomeprazole with a full glass of water, which is about 8 ounces. Make sure you take it at least an hour before meals, and don’t chew or crush the capsule—just swallow it whole.
What is the proper way to take Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day in the morning, and you can take it with or without food. If you’re prescribed to take it twice a day, have your first dose in the morning and your second in the evening. Always swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water.
Can I lie down after taking Esomeprazole?
It’s best to avoid lying down right after taking Esomeprazole. Try to take it first thing in the morning with water before breakfast. If you’re taking it twice a day, take your evening dose well before you go to bed so the medication has time to work while you’re still upright.
How do I know if Esomeprazole is working?
Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It might not be noticeable right away, but generally, it starts working within a few days. If you see your symptoms improving within this time frame, it’s a good sign that the medication is doing its job.
Can I stop taking Esomeprazole suddenly?
Stopping Esomeprazole suddenly, especially after long-term use, can cause a rapid increase in stomach acid, often called “rebound” acid secretion. This might make your symptoms worse and can last for several weeks. If you need to stop taking it, talk to your doctor about gradually reducing the dose to lower this risk.
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