Esomeprazole – treating heartburn and acid reflux

Esomeprazole is a medication administered to treat certain stomach and oesophagus problems, notably acid reflux and ulcers. It reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach and relieves heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough and other symptoms. It is widely commercially available, sold under brand names such as Esomeprazole Strontium, NexIUM, NexIUM 24HR, NexIUM 24HR Clearminis. (3)

Table of Contents

Brief Synopsis of the conditions treated from Esomeprazole

Acid Reflux Disease – or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when the stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus, causing chest discomfort and heartburn. If it happens often, more than twice a week, it is a cause for concern. The stomach entrance has a valve called Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). It is a ring of muscle which closes as soon as the food passes into the stomach, preventing backflow into the oesophagus. On not closing correctly, the acid produced by the stomach moves up into the oesophagus, which causes the chest discomfort and heartburn previously mentioned. (1)

Heartburn – Heartburn is a condition that produces a burning sensation in the chest just behind your breastbone. The pain may worsen after eating by lying down for an extended period or by bending over. Heartburn is a common occurrence and usually amounts to no cause for concern. (2)

Esomeprazole – treating heartburn and acid reflux

Acid Reflux – Causes & Symptoms

Causes of Acid Reflux Disease –

Stomach abnormality called Hiatal Hernia
Eating large meals, staying in a lying position after a meal, or bending over the waist.
Being overweight or obese
Snacking close to bedtime
Eating spicy and fatty foods such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic and onions.
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
Smoking
Pregnancy
Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications (1)

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease –

Heartburn
Regurgitation
Bloating
Burping
Nausea
Black stools or blood in vomiting
Weight loss (1)

Mechanism

Esomeprazole belongs to a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Proton pumps are tiny substances in the stomach lining that help make acid to digest food. Esomeprazole limits proton pumps from functioning correctly, lowering the amount of acid the stomach makes. (4)

Dosage and Side Effects

Esomeprazole is usually administered for 4 to 8 weeks only to treat excess stomach acid. It may be extended if the second course of treatment is done. It is advisable to take the entire course prescribed, even if the symptoms heal.

Some common side effects may be severe stomach pain, diarrhoea, joint pains, skin rash, muscle spasm, headache, fever, dry mouth and loss of appetite.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water and at least one hour before a meal. The pill should be swallowed whole without crushing, breaking or chewing it. It must be stored away from light and heat. (1)

Conclusion

Esomeprazole does not impart immediate relief from heartburn. (3) It is also administered to heal erosive esophagitis (damage to your oesophagus caused by stomach acid). (3) Besides drug administration, Acid Reflux Disease may be treated by making specific lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating smaller meals.

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Disclaimer:

Anzen Export’s blog posts have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical team strive to provide relevant information through such articles. We advise consulting a doctor about an ingredient or medicine before taking it to be best informed.