Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole: A Powerful Proton Pump Inhibitor for GERD and Ulcers

What is Esomeprazole?

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production, commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and prevent stomach bleeding in patients who are on anti-inflammatory medications.

How Esomeprazole Works

Esomeprazole works by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach lining, reducing gastric acid production. This helps alleviate the symptoms of heartburn and allows ulcers to heal.

When to Use Esomeprazole

● GERD: Reduces acid reflux and heartburn.
● Peptic Ulcers: Heals stomach ulcers.
● Helicobacter pylori Infection: Often used in combination with antibiotics to treat H. pylori-related ulcers.

Dosage

● Adult Dose: 20-40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks in GERD.
● Pediatric Dose: It is based on weight bands
3 to 5 kg : 2.5 mg OD for upto 6 weeks.
5 to 7.5 kg : 5 mg OD for upto 6 weeks.
>7. 5 kg : 10 mg OD for upto 6 weeks.
>20 kg : 20 mg OD for upto 6 weeks.

Side Effects

● Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea.

Common Brands in India: Nexpro, Sompraz, Raciper. 

Contraindications : 

1. Hypersensitivity to esmoprazole, or any component of the formulation.
2. Should not be used along with other medications that might contain rilpivirine.

Risk of : 

1. Osteoporosis
2. Acute interstitial nephritis
3. Exacerbation of existing autoimmune disease.
4. Vitamin B 12 malabsorption.