Esomeprazole 20mg Capsules

Price range: £15.99 through £19.99

Esomeprazole is a treatment for acid reflux, heartburn and ulcers, offering powerful acid suppression with once-daily convenience.

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This medication may require an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber to assess its suitability before a prescription can be issued.

Clear Start Consultation

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for managing acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. It is particularly effective in treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole provides symptom relief and promotes healing in acid-damaged tissues. It is often prescribed as a longer-term solution when other acid suppressants are not sufficient.

How It Works
Esomeprazole blocks the proton pump in the stomach lining, which is the final pathway for acid secretion. This action significantly reduces gastric acid production, lowering the acidity of the stomach contents. By reducing acid exposure, Esomeprazole relieves symptoms like heartburn, aids the healing of ulcers, and helps prevent acid-related damage to the oesophagus. Its long-lasting effect allows for once-daily dosing in most cases, though more severe cases may require higher doses or twice-daily administration.

Why Choose Esomeprazole
Esomeprazole is considered one of the most effective PPIs available. It offers strong acid suppression, with better bioavailability than some other agents in its class, especially in maintaining stable blood levels. Patients with moderate to severe reflux symptoms or those who do not respond adequately to other PPIs often benefit from switching to Esomeprazole. Its once-daily formulation helps improve adherence and allows consistent control of symptoms.

Important Note
Esomeprazole should only be used under medical guidance. Long-term use may be associated with a risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, magnesium imbalance, or bone fracture. It may also interact with medications such as clopidogrel, warfarin, or antifungals. Patients should not stop or change their dose without consulting a doctor. If symptoms persist despite treatment, further evaluation may be required to rule out more serious gastrointestinal conditions.

Directions

Please refer to the medication’s patient information leaflet before starting any new medication.

  • Take once daily, at least one hour before a meal

  • Swallow whole with water

  • Do not chew or crush the tablets or capsules

  • Follow the prescribed course duration

  • Store below 25°C

  • Keep in original packaging

  • Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

Active Ingredient:

  • Esomeprazole magnesium 20 mg or 40 mg

Other Ingredients:

  • Magnesium stearate

  • Cellulose compounds

  • Hypromellose

  • Macrogol

  • Titanium dioxide

  • Gelatin (for capsules)

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Headache

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Stomach pain

  • Nausea

Serious (rare) side effects:

  • Low magnesium levels

  • Severe allergic reaction

  • Fractures (with long-term use)

  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea

Stop the medicine and seek medical attention if serious side effects occur.

Warnings

Do not use Esomeprazole if allergic to any PPIs or other ingredients in the formulation. Long-term use should be monitored, especially in older adults or patients with osteoporosis, liver impairment, or those taking interacting medications. Consult your doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

  • Esomeprazole can interact with other drugs like clopidogrel, digoxin, and certain antifungals. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before combining it with other medications.
  • Esomeprazole GR should be taken at least 30 minutes before food to ensure proper activation in the stomach.
  • Esomeprazole GR often begins reducing stomach acid within one hour of taking it, with full effect typically seen within 2–4 days.
  • Evidence indicates short‑term use is generally safe. Still, you should speak to your healthcare provider before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Daily use is common for short‑term treatment (up to 4–8 weeks). Long‑term use requires periodic medical review due to potential nutrient absorption issues.