Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which suppresses the production of stomach acid by stopping the proton pump from working. It is therefore used for a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders including the following:
Esomeprazole can be taken by mouth. The adult doses for different uses are listed below:
For H pylori eradication (in combination with antibiotics)
20 mg twice daily.
For peptic ulcer
20 mg twice daily for 7 days OR 40 mg once daily for 10 days.
For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
40 mg once daily for 4 weeks and may use for another 4 week if necessary. The maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily.
For prevention of NSAID-associated ulceration
20 or 40 mg once daily.
For treatment of NSAID-associated ulceration
20 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks
For Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Start with 40 mg twice daily. The usual daily dose is 80-160 mg in 2 divided doses.
Common side effects of Esomeprazole include constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can lead to Magnesium deficiency.
Common dosing schedule:
Taken in the morning around 30 minutes before breakfast.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Esomeprazole may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, esomeprazole is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Esomeprazole in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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