Esomeprazole magnesium oral capsule is a generic prescription drug that’s used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid production. Its delayed-release formulation releases the drug into your body slowly over time.
Esomeprazole magnesium is used to treat a variety of stomach and digestive conditions in adults and certain children.
It belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. These medications work by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
To learn more about esomeprazole magnesium’s uses, see the “What is esomeprazole magnesium used for?” section.
Esomeprazole magnesium brand-name version
Esomeprazole magnesium is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that esomeprazole magnesium is based on is called Nexium.
Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do. If you’d like to know more about using Nexium instead of esomeprazole magnesium, talk with your doctor.
Specifically, esomeprazole magnesium is used for:
- short-term treatment in the healing of erosive esophagitis in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis in adults
- short-term treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- reducing the risk of gastric ulcers associated with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in certain adults
- elimination of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in adults to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence, in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin
- treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and related digestive conditions in adults
Like most drugs, esomeprazole magnesium may cause mild to serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that esomeprazole magnesium may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of esomeprazole magnesium. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that esomeprazole magnesium can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the drug’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of esomeprazole magnesium that have been reported include:
- headache
- diarrhea
- nausea
- flatulence
- stomach pain
- constipation
- dry mouth
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from esomeprazole magnesium can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of esomeprazole magnesium that have been reported include:
- severe diarrhea
- osteoporosis and bone fractures
- atrophic gastritis
- low magnesium
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- kidney problems
- cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- fundic gland polyps
Allergic reactionFor some people, esomeprazole magnesium can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking esomeprazole magnesium.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to esomeprazole magnesium, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of esomeprazole magnesium that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form and strengths
Esomeprazole magnesium is available as a delayed-release oral capsule in two strengths: 20 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg.
“Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
Recommended dosages
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of esomeprazole magnesium that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages for adults, but the dosage you are prescribed will be determined by your doctor.
Purpose / Condition | Dosage | Duration |
---|---|---|
short-term treatment of erosive esophagitis | 20 mg or 40 mg once per day | 4 to 8 weeks* |
maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis | 20 mg once per day | as recommended by your doctor |
treatment of heartburn and other GERD symptoms | 20 mg once per day | 4 weeks |
reducing risk of gastric ulcer from NSAID use | 20 mg or 40 mg once per day | up to 6 months |
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection | 40 mg once per day, with amoxicillin and clarithromycin | 10 days |
treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | 40 mg twice per day? | as recommended by your doctor |
* If ineffective, treatment may be extended another 4 to 8 weeks.
? Sometimes doses up to 240 mg per day are needed.
How to take
Your doctor will explain how you should take esomeprazole magnesium. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Questions about taking esomeprazole magnesium
Below are some common questions about taking esomeprazole magnesium.
Can esomeprazole magnesium be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split esomeprazole magnesium capsules. You should swallow them whole. If you have trouble doing so, you can get tips on how to swallow pills, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the esomeprazole magnesium capsule and sprinkle the pellets within onto a small amount of applesauce. Without chewing, swallow the applesauce and pellet mixture. Then drink a glass of water to make sure you’ve swallowed any pellets that may still be in your mouth.
Should I take esomeprazole magnesium with food? Take esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules at least 1 hour before meals or as your doctor recommends.
Is there a best time of day to take esomeprazole magnesium? It can be taken at any time of day. But it’s best to take esomeprazole magnesium around the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps it work more effectively.
What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose of esomeprazole magnesium, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
Will I need to use esomeprazole magnesium long term? This depends on the purpose for which esomeprazole magnesium is prescribed and other factors. Discuss this with your doctor.
How can I tell if the drug is working? You should have less heartburn and stomach pain. If you’re taking esomeprazole magnesium to prevent ulcers, your doctor will do tests to check if it’s working for you.
How long does it take to work? Esomeprazole magnesium comes in a delayed-release capsule. “Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time. Your doctor will monitor your treatment to evaluate how well the drug is working.
Special dosage considerations
For people with severe liver problems: The maximum dosage of esomeprazole magnesium should not be more than 20 mg per day.
Dosage warnings
Take this drug as directed by your doctor. Your doctor should give you the drug at the lowest dosage possible and for the shortest time needed. This will lower your risk of side effects.
Overdose
Do not take more esomeprazole magnesium than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- fast heart rate
- nausea
- sweating
- skin flushing
- headache
- dry mouth
What to do in case you take too much esomeprazole magnesium
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much esomeprazole magnesium. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below is important information you should consider before taking esomeprazole magnesium.
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.
Esomeprazole magnesium can interact with several other medications. Before taking esomeprazole magnesium, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.
Also, tell them about any herbs, vitamins, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Drug interactions
Below is a list of some medications that can interact with esomeprazole magnesium. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with esomeprazole magnesium. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug group or drug name | Drug examples |
---|---|
certain antibiotics | clarithromycin, rifampin |
certain antiretroviral drugs | atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, saquinavir |
clopidogrel | |
diazepam | |
digoxin | |
methotrexate | |
tacrolimus | |
voriconazole |
Esomeprazole magnesium and alcohol
Alcohol isn’t known to interact with esomeprazole magnesium. Talk with your doctor to determine whether it’s safe for you to consume alcohol during treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how esomeprazole magnesium might affect a fetus. Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Breastfeeding: Esomeprazole magnesium may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
Other warnings
Liver problems: Esomeprazole magnesium is processed by your liver. If you have severe liver disease, your body may not be able to process this drug as well. This could cause the drug to build up in your body and cause more side effects. Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your liver is working. If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dosage of this drug.
Low magnesium blood levels: Taking this drug for 3 months or longer can decrease magnesium levels in your blood. This can further decrease your low magnesium levels. Your doctor may give you magnesium supplements and monitor your magnesium levels.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking this drug for 2 to 3 years can decrease vitamin B12 levels in your blood. This can further decrease your low vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor may give you vitamin B12 injections and monitor your vitamin B12 levels.
Osteoporosis: Using this drug every day for a long time can increase your risk of hip, wrist, or spine fractures due to osteoporosis. Your doctor may order tests to check for osteoporosis while you’re taking esomeprazole magnesium.
For people with plans to have a neuroendocrine tumor test: This drug can change the balance of your stomach acid. This may cause a test for neuroendocrine tumors to be positive when there isn’t a tumor.
Kidney damage warning: This drug may cause kidney damage. Tell your doctor if you have pain in the side of your back or changes in urination during treatment. These are signs of kidney problems.
Severe diarrhea warning: This drug can cause diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria. This may result in mild diarrhea or severe inflammation of your colon. Severe reactions can be fatal. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea while taking this drug.
Long-term use warning: Using this drug for a long time comes with risks. It increases your risk of osteoporosis-related bone breaks in your hip, wrist, or spine. It may also cause inflammation of your stomach lining and low blood levels of magnesium. Taking this drug long term can also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12. This can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Talk with your doctor about how long you can safely take this drug.
CLE and SLE warning: Esomeprazole can cause cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CLE and SLE are autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of CLE can range from a rash on the skin and nose, to a raised, scaly, red or purple rash on certain parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE can include fever, tiredness, weight loss, blood clots, heartburn, and stomach pain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
Fundic gland polyps warning: Long-term use (especially over 1 year) of esomeprazole magnesium can cause fundic gland polyps. These polyps are growths on the lining of your stomach that can become cancerous. To help prevent these polyps, you should use this drug for as short a time as possible.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.