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Proper Use
If you are taking the capsule form of this medicine: Take esomeprazole at least one hour before a meal.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsule. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the granules contained in the capsule on one tablespoonful of applesauce or yogurt and swallow it immediately; or you may mix the granules in some tap water or fruit juice and drink it immediately. The applesauce should not be hot, and the juices you may use include apple or orange juice. Do not chew or crush the granules.
To use the delayed-release oral suspension:
- Empty the contents of esomeprazole packet into a container with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water.
- Stir well.
- Leave 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
- Stir and drink within 30 minutes.
- If any medicine remains after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink immediately .
The delayed-release oral suspension or the contents inside the delayed-release capsule may be given through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Use only a catheter tipped syringe to give esomeprazole through an NG tube .
If you are using the delayed-release capsule with a nasogastric tube:
- Open the capsule and empty the granules into a 60 mL catheter tipped syringe and mix with 50 mL of water.
- Replace the plunger and shake the syringe well for 15 seconds.
- Hold the syringe with the tip up and check for granules in the tip.
- Attach the syringe to the nasogastric tube. Give the medicine in the syringe through the nasogastric tube into the stomach.
- Rinse the nasogastric tube with more water after giving the granules .
If you are using the delayed-release oral suspension with a nasogastric tube:
- Add 15 mL of water to a catheter tipped syringe and add the contents of esomeprazole packet.
- Shake the syringe right away and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
- Shake the syringe and give the medicine through the nasogastric tube into the stomach within 30 minutes.
- Refill the syringe with 15 mL of water.
- Shake and flush any remaining contents from the nasogastric tube into the stomach .
Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Also, keep your appointments with your doctor for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.
Follow your doctor's instructions for switching from the injectable form of esomeprazole to the capsule form.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules or suspension):
- To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- Adults—20 or 40 milligrams (mg) taken once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
- Children 12 to 17 years of age—20 or 40 mg taken once a day for up to 8 weeks.
- Children 1 to 11 years of age—10 or 20 mg taken once a day for up to 8 weeks.
- Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- To prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- Adults—20 mg taken once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- To treat ulcer related infection with H. pylori:
- Adults—40 mg once daily, plus amoxicillin 1000 mg (1 gram) plus clarithromycin 500 mg, taken together before meals twice a day for 10 days.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- To treat conditions that increase acids in the stomach (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome):
- Adults—40 mg two times a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- For injection dosage form:
- To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- Adults—20 or 40 milligrams (mg) once a day for no more than 10 days.
- Children up to 18 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- To treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
