Esomeprazole (By Mouth)

Esomeprazole (es-oh-ME-pray-zole)

Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also used with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers.

Brand Name(s):

Nexium
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or similar medicines such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), or pantoprazole (Protonix®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Delayed Release Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal.
• Swallow the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as yogurt or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Do not store any of the mixture for future use.
• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), iron supplements, digoxin (Lanoxin®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), or amoxicillin (Amoxil®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Increased stomach pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, or constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.