Esomeprazole Contributions by ritasharma

Esomeprazole is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease and to heal acid-related damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Like other proton pump inhibitors, Esomeprazole works by stopping many of the "acid pumps" in the cells of the stomach. As a result, the stomach content becomes less acidic. Esomeprazole can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage on the lining of the esophagus.

Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori infection or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Esomeprazole is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease and to heal acid-related damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Like other proton pump inhibitors, Esomeprazole works by stopping many of the "acid pumps" in the cells of the stomach. As a result, the stomach content becomes less acidic. Esomeprazole can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage on the lining of the esophagus.

Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori infection or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Contraindications

Esomeprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hyper-sensitivity to any of its components or to substituted benzimidazoles.

Drug interaction

Clinical studies have shown that some drugs may interact with esomeprazole. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

• clopidogrel (Plavix); * digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); * diazepam (Valium); * ketoconazole (Nizoral); * HIV or AIDS medication such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), and others; * Iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or * warfarin (Coumadin). * Phenytoin

Precautions

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs you use. This includes supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Before taking esomeprazole, it is important to tell your doctor if you've had liver problems or any type of heart disease. Some cases may require dose adjustment or special tests while on esomeprazole therapy.

Side effects

Below are the most common side effects that may occur with esomprazole use. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist or become bothersome.

• headache * nausea * diarrhea * dry mouth * flatulence * abdominal pain * constipation

Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur when using esomeprazole:

• signs and symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, itching; difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or unusual hoarseness * chest pain * dark urine * fast heartbeat * fever or chills * persistent sore throat skin changes: redness, swelling, peeling, blisters severe abdominal pain unusual bruising or bleeding unusual tiredness jaundice or yellowish discoloration of the skin

References:

Anthony, P.,Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. 2nd Edition. 2003. Delmar Cengage Learning.

Rosenthal. M. 50 Ways to Relieve Heartburn, Reflux and Ulcers. 2001.

McGraw-Hill

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601471

http://www.purplepill.com/about-nexium/index.aspx

http://www.drugs.com/omeprazole.html

http://www.drugs.com/nexium.html

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