Esomeprazole
Also sold as: Nexium, Nexum
Prescription neededAcidity and ulcers
Comes as:TabletCapsuleSachetInjection
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 20 to 40 mg once a day, at least 1 hour before a meal, for 4 to 8 weeks. For H. pylori it is combined with antibiotics as prescribed.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- headache
- stomach pain
- nausea
- diarrhoea or constipation
- wind
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe or watery diarrhoea that does not stop
- low magnesium with long use (muscle cramps
- irregular heartbeat)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Warning signs such as weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools — see a doctor first
- Severe liver disease (lower dose)
- Long-term use only if your doctor advises
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Clopidogrel
Esomeprazole reduces the activation of clopidogrel and may weaken its effect.