Common
uses
This medicine is a proton pump
inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux. It may be
used in combination with two antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori (H.
pylori) infection and duodenal ulcers. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Delayed
Release Capsule
Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE (ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cilostazol,
diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins
with iron. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION
may be needed if you have liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, or
crush the capsule. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING CAPSULES,
you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of
applesauce. Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow immediately. The
applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to swallow without
chewing. Discard any uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may be
taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY
NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS
UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast-milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE
BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or
coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast
heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating, flushing, headache, and dry mouth.
Additional
information
If you are taking this
medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve
within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse,
contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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