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By Dr. Faith Goan, PharmD

Curist delivers FDA-approved medicines to your door at half the price of traditional brands. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.

What Does Esomeprazole Treat? 

Esomeprazole (available at Curist here) is used either alone or in combination with other medications to treat frequent heartburn that occurs at least 2 or more days a week in adults. Heartburn is described as a burning pain sensation or discomfort in your chest caused by digestive acid moving from your stomach to your esophagus. 

How Does Esomeprazole Work?

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by blocking many active pumps in your stomach that produce acid. By stopping stomach pumps from creating acid, this reduces the amount of acid in your stomach therefore preventing future heartburn events. 

How Do I Take Esomeprazole 20 mg? How Much Esomeprazole Can I Take?

It is best to take esomeprazole at least 1 hour before meals with a full glass of water. Esomeprazole 20 mg tablets should be swallowed whole, but esomeprazole 20 mg capsules can be opened and sprinkled into applesauce. If you open the capsule, the apple sauce should not be warm. One tablet or capsule can be taken per day. This daily regimen can be repeated for up to 14 consecutive days, which is one full course of treatment. 

How Often Can I Take Esomeprazole 20 mg?

One tablet or capsule of esomeprazole 20 mg can be taken per day. It can be taken daily for up to 14 days in a row. This 14 day course of treatment can be repeated once every 4 months (3 times a year). 

What Should I Do If I Forget a Dose of Esomeprazole?

You should take your missed dose of esomeprazole as soon as you remember. If it is too close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on your dose to make up for the missed one. 

Can I Take Esomeprazole For Longer Than 14 Days?

One treatment course esomeprazole is one pill daily for 14 days. A course of treatment can be repeated up to 3 times per year (i.e. every 4 months). So why can't you take esomeprazole for longer than 14 days?

The biggest reason is that the long-term use of esomeprazole can cause "rebound acid hypersecretion"- meaning that once you stop taking the medicine, the stomach can actually generate an excess of acid. The extra acid may cause you to take more esomeprazole, thus creating a cycle of long term dependency which is unhealthy. Doctors therefore recommend using the smallest effective dose of esomeprazole for as little time possible.

What Side Effects Should I Expect From Taking Esomeprazole?

Some side effects you may experience while using esomeprazole are: 

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Kidney damage - Notify your doctor if you feel pain in your side or back, or changes in urination 

Some people taking proton pump inhibitors may be more prone to fracture their hips, wrists, or spine than others not taking these medications. If you or a loved one has osteoporosis, reach out to your doctor before taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may report it to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone: 1-800-332-1088.

What is the Difference Esomeprazole OTC vs Prescription?

Believe it or not, esomeprazole over-the-counter is the same medicine as esomeprazole prescription. Both are sold and taken in 20 mg dosage. The difference then between the two is the indications of use, meaning what the medicines are used to treat. As an over-the-counter, esomeprazole can be used to self-treat frequent heartburn. Under the supervision of a doctor, prescription esomeprazole can also be used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Will Esomeprazole OTC Work the Same as the Prescription Strength Esomeprazole? 

Both OTC esomeprazole and prescription esomeprazole have the same active ingredient and work the same way. However, prescription esomeprazole is used to treat diseases that need consultation with a doctor. The prescription dosage may also be used for a longer period of time than OTC esomeprazole. Esomeprazole OTC is primarily used only to treat symptoms of frequent heartburn. If you are using esomeprazole for other reasons, contact a healthcare provider to make sure you are using it safely. 

Who Should NOT Take Esomeprazole?

Esomeprazole OTC should not be used if you are experiencing any of the following: 

  • Trouble or pain when swallowing food 
  • Vomiting with blood
  • Bloody or black stools 
  • Heartburn with lightheadedness, dizziness, or sweating
  • Chest pain, or shoulder pain with shortness of breath, or pain spreading to arms, neck, or shoulders
  • Osteoarthritis problems 
  • Developed kidney damage 

Does Esomeprazole Interact With Any Food or Other Medicines? 

When taking esomeprazole and other medications, it is important to inform your health care provider that you are taking esomeprazole to determine if any interactions may occur. Esomeprazole may interact with (please note that this is not a complete list): 

  • Clopidogrel (blood thinner) 
  • Warfarin (blood thinner) 
  • Diazepam 
  • Digoxin
  • Methotrexate
  • vitamins/supplements - Proton pump inhibitors may decrease the concentrations of vitamins/supplements that you are taking 
  • Antifungals (voriconazole) 
  • Tacrolimus 

Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have any further questions.

Where’s the Best Place To Buy Esomeprazole 20 mg Online?

Curist! Esomeprazole 20 mg can be purchased online without a prescription when sold as an over-the-counter medicine (not a prescription). At Curist, our mission is to deliver high-quality medicines at affordable prices. We believe in our products so strongly that we offer a 60-day, no-questions-asked return policy, even if the boxes are open! Join tens of thousands and get relief delivered to you. Curist Heartburn Relief (esomeprazole 20 mg) is available here

To learn more about tips for treating heartburn, checkout:

 

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This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.