Esomeprazole Capsules 20mg

What are Esomeprazole Capsules?

Esomeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
They can be taken to treat:

1. Indigestion
2. Heartburn
3. Acid reflux
4. Stomach ulcers
5. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
6. H. Pylori stomach infections

It is widely used and prescribed and begins to work within 2 to 3 days, but it may take up to 4 weeks for it to reach its maximum effect.

How to buy Esomeprazole Capsules online

Esomeprazole tablets are available without a prescription here, for larger pack sizes or for capsules you will need a prescription. You can use our online prescription service to buy Esomeprazole Capsules online in the UK with free and next day delivery. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. Any website that claims to sell Esomeprazole Capsules without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

How Esomeprazole works

Esomeprazole is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Proton pumps are enzymes in the lining of your stomach that help it make acid to digest food. Esomeprazole prevents these proton pumps working properly, reducing the amount of acid the stomach makes.

It usually starts working within 2 to 3 days, but it may take up to 4 weeks for it to work fully.

How to take Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole's usual dose is 20mg once daily usually in the morning. This dose can then be adjusted up or down according to response.
It is important that you do not crush, break or chew the capsules as they are specially coated to make sure they get absorbed properly.
Once your symptoms are under control you should consider lowering your dose to the lowest dose required to control the symptoms. This will help keep any side effects to a minimium.
If your symptoms persist after taking Esomeprazole for a few days contact a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

What is heartburn & acid reflux

Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation feeling in your chest that can travel up your neck and throat. Usually the stomach acid is kept in the stomach by the lower oesophageal sphincter. When it isn't working properly stomach acid is allowed to travel up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation. If it is a chronic condition it is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It can affect anyone sometimes with no obvious cause.
Common symptoms are:

1. Heartburn
2. An unpleasant taste in the mouth
3. Cough or hiccups
4. Bad breathe
5. Hoarse voice
6. Bloating
7. Nausea

Your symptoms may be worse after eating, when lying down or bending over.
Sometimes it is caused by or made worse by:

1. Obesity
2. Alcohol
3. Smoking
4. Pregnancy
5. Certain foods - spicy, acid or fatty foods
6. Stress
7. Certain medicines such as anti-inflammatories
8. Bacterial infections
9. Stomach ulcers
10. Hiatus hernia

Acid reflux can sometimes be caused by something more serious. Watch out for the following

1. If lifestyle changes or over the counter medicines do not help
2. Symptoms persist longer than 5 days while taking omeprazole
3. Heartburn occurs frequently for 3 weeks or more
4. You struggle to swallow food
5. You are being sick
6. Unintended weight loss

If any of the above occur then contact your doctor, they can perform tests to see if your acid reflux is due to something more serious.

Easing heartburn and acid reflux

There are certain steps you can take to help ease acid reflux and heartburn yourself.

1. Try eating smaller and more frequent meals
2. At night raise the head end of your bed by 10 - 20cm, raising your chest and head above your waist. This will help stop stomach acid travelling up your throat
3. Weight loss if you are overweight
4. Relax and de-stress

You should avoid:

1. Foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms
2. Eating before you go to bed, avoid eating 3 - 4 hours before bed
3. Smoking
4. Alcohol
5. Tight clothes

If you follow the advice above and your symptoms persist, you can consider treatment. While taking treatment you should keep following the steps as they can help improve treatment outcomes.

Esomeprazole side effects

As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Esomeprazole include

1. Headaches
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhoea
4. Stomach pain
5. Constipation
6. Flatulence

If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.

Esomeprazole interactions

The following medicines interact with Esomeprazole:

1. Methotrexate
2. Citalopram
3. Escitalopram
4. HIV medicines such as Atazanavir
5. Dasatinib

Do not take Esomeprazole with another proton-pump inhbiitor such as omeprazole as this will increase the risk of side effects.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Esomeprazole interactions.

Esomeprazole and pregnancy

Esomeprazole is not usually recommended if you're pregnant because there is little information about its use during pregnancy. Contact your GP for other alternatives that may be more suitable for you.

Esomeprazole and breastfeeding

If your baby is healthy it is ok to take Esomeprazole while breastfeeding. A small amount will pass through breast milk. It is unlikely the tiny amount of omeprazole your baby receives from your milk will do them any harm. It is unlikely to have any affect, but if you notice any change in you babys behaviour such as not feeding as well as usual, is unusually sleepy or you have any concerns contact your doctor or health visitor.

Esomeprazole and fertility

Esomeprazole does not affect fertility in either men or women.

Esomeprazole and alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Esomeprazole as the two don't interact. However be aware that alcohol can make acid reflux symptoms worse.

Esomeprazole Capsules alternatives

There are other PPIs available such as:

• Omeprazole
• Lansoprazole orodispersible tablets
• Esomeprazole capsules
• Pantoprazole
• Rabeprazole
• Nexium control

There are also antacid tablets available which help instantly neutralise the excess acid in the stomach, these can also be taken alongside Esomeprazole.
Gaviscon is a popular remedy and as well as neutralising excess it forms a raft on top of the stomach helping protect the oesophagus, this can also be taken alongside Esomeprazole.

More Esomeprazole information

If you would like more information on Esomeprazole Capsules you can find the SPC here.

Esomeprazole FAQs

• Can I take Esomeprazole with other acid reflux medicines?

  Yes you can take Esomeprazole with another acid reflux medicine such as Gaviscon. Take it 2 hours before or after your dose of omeprazole or the omeprazole may not work correctly. Do not take Esomeprazole with another PPI such as omeprazole as this will increase the risk of side effects.

• Can I take Esomeprazole while pregnant?

  No it is not advised to take this medication while pregnant due to a lack of studies. Contact your GP for a suitable alternative.

• Can I take Esomeprazole while breastfeeding?

  If your baby is healthy it is ok to take Esomeprazole while breastfeeding. A small amount will pass through breast milk. It is unlikely the tiny amount of lansoprazole your baby receives from your milk will do them any harm. It is unlikely to have any affect, but if you notice any change in you babys behaviour such as not feeding as well as usual, is unusually sleepy or you have any concerns contact your doctor or health visitor.

• Can I buy Esomeprazole capsules over the counter?

  No you cannot buy Esomeprazole capsules over the counter. You can buy esomeprazole tablets for a maximum of 14 day use over the counter.

• Are there any long term effects of taking Esomeprazole?

  Taking Esomeprazole long term can increase your chance of bone fractures and gut infections. Use of more than 3 months may reduce your magnesium levels. Prolonged usage for more than a year can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Look out for signs and symptoms such as feeling very tired, sore red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.

• Is it safe to buy Esomeprazole capsules from your pharmacy?

  We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
  If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.

• Do Esomeprazole capsules expire?

  Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.

• How should I store Esomeprazole capsules?

  They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.

• How long does it take for Esomeprazole to work?

  While it may provide relief in as little as 90 minutes, it can take up to 3-4 weeks to reach its full effect.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking Esomeprazole?

  You can drink alcohol while taking Esomeprazole as the two don't interact. However be aware that alcohol can make acid reflux symptoms worse.