Esomeprazole (Systemic)

Brand Names : Nexium

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take esomeprazole at least one hour before a meal .

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsule . If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the granules contained in the capsule on one tablespoonful of applesauce or yogurt and swallow it immediately; or you may mix the granules in some tap water or fruit juice and drink it immediately. The applesauce should not be hot, and the juices you may use include apple or orange juice. Do not chew or crush the granules .

Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better . Also, keep your appointments with your doctor for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.

Dosing - The dose of esomeprazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of esomeprazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking esomeprazole

• To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
  • Adults - 20 or 40 milligrams (mg) taken once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• To prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
  • Adults - 20 mg taken once a day.
  • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• To treat ulcers related to infection with H. pylori
  • Adults - 40 mg once daily, plus amoxicillin 1000 mg (1 gram) plus clarithromycin 500 mg, taken together before meals twice a day for ten days.
  • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.