What is Esomeprazole?

Esomeprazole is a generic drug used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus.

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

What is Nexium?

Nexium is the branded version of Esomeprazole. Esomeprazole is medically equivalent to Nexium but is available at a lower price.

How To Take

Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets. This is because the tablets contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage the pellets.

• You can take your tablets at any time of the day.
• You can take your tablets with food or on an empty stomach.

Alternatives

Antacids taken as required. Antacids are alkali liquids or tablets that can neutralise the stomach acid. A dose may give quick relief. There are many brands, which you can buy. You can also get some on prescription. If you have mild or infrequent bouts of dyspepsia you may find that antacids used as required are all that you need.