Esomeprazole ( e-so-MEP-ra-zole ) is used to treat conditions in which there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a condition in which the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. It also reduces the chance of gastric ulcers in patients who use a group of medicines called NSAIDs and who may be at greater risk (i.e., patients 60 years of age or older or patients who have a history of gastric ulcers). Sometimes esomeprazole is used along with antibiotics to treat ulcers associated with infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria (germ).

If you are taking the capsule form 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.

Follow the doctor's instructions for switching from the injectable form of esomeprazole to the capsule form.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. *
o Blistering, peeling, loosening of skin; bloating; chills; cough ; darkened urine; difficulty swallowing; dizziness; fast heartbeat; fever; hives; indigestion; itching ; joint or muscle pain; loss of appetite; pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue; red irritated eyes; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; shortness of breath; skin rash; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips; tightness in chest; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; wheezing; yellow eyes or skin

The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.

Contact Posion Center or Dial 911

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.

Esomeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

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.