How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid. Acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. However, in the condition known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, this acid is allowed to flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus), where it causes pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. The acid can also irritate and cause inflammation of the lining of the foodpipe (reflux oesophagitis). Esomeprazole reduces the production of stomach acid and stops the acid flowing back into the foodpipe. It is therefore used to relieve the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, such as heartburn. It is also used to treat reflux oesophagitis, because stopping the acid flowing back into the foodpipe allows the lining of the foodpipe to heal. Esomeprazole is also used for the long-term management of people with healed oesophagitis, as suppressing the production of stomach acid helps prevent this condition recurring. Esomeprazole is also used to treat ulcers in the stomach or upper intestine (peptic ulcers) that are infected with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This type of bacteria is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. The bacteria cause the stomach to produce too much acid, which irritates the lining of the stomach and upper intestine and causes ulcers. Esomeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the gut. This allows the ulcer to heal, and prevents this type of ulcer from recurring.

What is it used for?

Eradicating bacteria in the gut

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Warning!

This medicine can mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition. For this reason, when a stomach ulcer is suspected, your doctor should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine, particularly if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms.

Swallow the tablets whole, do not chew or crush them. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets whole they can be dispersed in a glass of still water. Stir until the tablets disintegrate. The mixture will not be clear, as it will contain solid granules from the tablet. These should not be crushed or chewed as they contain the medicine. Drink the mixture immediately or at least within 30 minutes (stir again before drinking). To ensure you have taken all the medicine rinse the glass with water and drink. Do not use any other liquid to disperse the tablets, as this may affect the medicine.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children

Inherited deficiency of sucrase and isomaltase in the gut, leading to intolerance to sugars in the diet

Inherited inability to absorb the sugars glucose and galactose (glucose-galactose malabsorption)

Inherited intolerance to fructose in the diet

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved