Skip to content

Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, a medicine that reduces how much acid the stomach produces. It is used in acid-related conditions of the upper gut, including reflux, peptic ulcer disease and erosive oesophagitis.

Medicine containing Esomeprazole

Nexium

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

20 · 40mg

Nexium supplies esomeprazole for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and erosive oesophagitis. These tablets come in several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$0.38/ tabletView

Key points

  • Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), classed as a gastric acid inhibitor.
  • A dose starts to act within 1 to 2 hours, and its effect lasts about 24 hours.
  • It is approved for paediatric and adult populations.

What it is used for

Esomeprazole is used in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, erosive oesophagitis and peptic ulcer disease. These are acid-related conditions of the upper digestive tract, and other pages on digestive health cover the wider group.

How it works

The medicine inhibits gastric H+/K+-ATPase proton pumps. These are proteins in specialised cells of the stomach lining that push acid into the stomach. Blocking them raises the pH of the gastric lumen, so the contents become less acidic and structural linings are protected.

Forms and brands

Nexium gastro-resistant tablets contain esomeprazole at 20 mg and 40 mg. The tablet coating lets the contents pass through the stomach before breaking down further along the gut. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Esomeprazole must not be taken with rilpivirine, and it is not suitable for anyone with a hypersensitivity to proton pump inhibitors. Nelfinavir, an HIV medicine, must not be used alongside it. Ketoconazole and clopidogrel are further medicines that interact with esomeprazole.

Headache, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain are among the most common side effects and may affect up to 1 in 10 people. Flatulence and dry mouth are classed as moderate effects. Acute interstitial nephritis, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea and severe hypomagnesaemia are serious effects that require immediate medical attention.

In pregnancy, suitability depends on the specific medicine and individual circumstances, so a clinician or pharmacist should be asked before use. While breastfeeding, a doctor should be consulted.

What the sources say

  • In adults, esomeprazole is used for short-term treatment of reflux symptoms, including heartburn and acid regurgitation (EMA).
  • It is supplied as 20 mg gastroresistant tablets, coated so the contents pass through the stomach without being broken down until they reach the intestine (EMA).
  • If symptoms continue after two weeks, the patient should see a doctor (EMA).

Further reading

Last updated