What is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole is a generic medicine used to treat symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It contains the active ingredient esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate, which helps reduce the amount of stomach acid your body produces. This lowers the risk of acid moving up into your gullet, helping to ease symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn.
How does Esomeprazole work?
Esomeprazole is a medication that's part of a group called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs work by targeting the proton pump molecules in the cells that produce stomach acid, reducing the amount of acid they make. This helps lower the chances of acid moving up into your oesophagus and causing symptoms of GORD.
What doses of Esomeprazole are there?
There are two dosages of Esomeprazole available for treating GORD symptoms: 20mg and 40mg. The amount you take will depend on your specific condition and how effectively Esomeprazole manages it.
If your oesophagus is damaged, the standard dose is one 40 mg tablet daily for four weeks, with the option of another four-week course if it hasn't completely healed. If your oesophagus is fine, you'll usually take up to 20 mg of Esomeprazole each day, as needed. If you feel your GORD isn't well managed with your current dose, have a chat with your clinician. They might suggest increasing your dose for a month or two to see if that makes a difference.

- Esomeprazole is a tablet you take daily to treat GORD.
- It's a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.
- The tablets come in 20mg and 40mg doses.

Esomeprazole isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know when using it.
Here's all the official information on it. If you find anything confusing, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Useful Links:
- official info: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10557.pdf

Q: Are there any alternatives to Esomeprazole?
If Esomeprazole doesn't suit you, there are other treatments for GORD you can consider. If you want something similar to Esomeprazole, other proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole, function in the same manner.
Vimovo is a medication that combines naproxen, an anti-inflammatory, with esomeprazole. It's prescribed for conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, rather than GORD. The esomeprazole in it helps minimise stomach issues that can occur with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen.
Q: Can you get side effects from Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole, like any medication, may cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects of Esomeprazole include:
Taking Esomeprazole for an extended period, particularly in higher doses, may raise the risk of fractures in your wrist, spine, and hip, and can also lead to low magnesium levels, known as hypomagnesaemia. If you have any worries while using Esomeprazole, it's important to talk to your clinician.
There are some very rare but serious side effects of Esomeprazole that you should be aware of. If you experience any of the following, stop taking Esomeprazole and seek medical help straight away:
For a detailed guide on the side effects of Esomeprazole, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
Q: Can you use Esomeprazole during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, suspect you might be, or are planning to start a family, have a chat with your clinician before using this medication. They will let you know if taking Esomeprazole during pregnancy is suitable for you.
We aren't sure if Esomeprazole gets into breast milk, so it's best to avoid taking it while you're breastfeeding.
Q: Can you get Esomeprazole over the counter
No, you can't buy generic Esomeprazole without a prescription. However, there is a branded version called Nexium that you can get over the counter. Nexium is available in lower doses of 10 mg and 20 mg. If your symptoms are quite severe or Nexium isn't managing them effectively, generic Esomeprazole might be a more suitable choice.
Q: Can you drink alcohol while on Esomeprazole?
Alcohol doesn't interfere with the way Esomeprazole works. In fact, research indicates that gastroesophageal reflux was reduced by 93% in healthy volunteers taking Esomeprazole compared to those taking a placebo.
However, alcohol causes your stomach to produce more acid than usual. This can irritate your stomach lining and worsen the symptoms of GORD.

How to take Esomeprazole
If you struggle with swallowing the tablets, you can dissolve them by stirring your dose into a glass of still water until they break up and dissolve into a cloudy mixture. Drink the mixture within 30 minutes, always making sure it’s well stirred before drinking it. To ensure you’ve had all of the medicine, fill your glass halfway with water and rinse it well, before drinking the remaining mixture.
How long does it take Esomeprazole to work?
You might start to feel the effects of Esomeprazole within two to three days of beginning your treatment, although it can occasionally take a bit longer. Research indicates that Esomeprazole can manage heartburn and reflux symptoms within four weeks, reducing how often and how severe they are.
What should I do if I make a mistake taking Esomeprazole?
Be sure to follow your clinician's advice when taking Esomeprazole. If you forget a dose, don't worry. Simply take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule.
If you've taken more Esomeprazole than recommended, contact your doctor as soon as possible. You might feel weak, have stomach problems, or experience other side effects from the medication.