Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is used in the treatment and management of several acid-related gastrointestinal conditions, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive oesophagitis and certain ulcer-related conditions.
How Esomeprazole works
Esomeprazole belongs to the proton pump inhibitor class of medicines. It works by inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump in the acid-producing cells of the stomach. This suppresses the final stage of gastric acid secretion and significantly reduces stomach acidity.
By lowering acid levels, esomeprazole allows irritation and acid-related damage to the oesophagus and stomach to heal and helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.
Uses and indications
Esomeprazole may be prescribed for:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Healing of erosive oesophagitis
- Maintenance of healing of erosive oesophagitis in appropriate patients
- Short-term relief of heartburn and other GERD symptoms
- Prevention or treatment of certain NSAID-associated gastric ulcers in appropriate patients
- Helicobacter pylori eradication as part of an appropriate combination regimen
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
- Inform your healthcare professional if you have liver disease.
- Tell your pharmacist about all other medicines you take.
- Long-term use should be medically reviewed.
- Prolonged treatment may be associated with low magnesium or vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Seek medical assessment for unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing.
- Do not use it simply to mask persistent or unexplained abdominal symptoms.
- Consult a healthcare professional during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Common side effects
Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Dry mouth
Most side effects are mild, but persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
