Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
It's widely used to:
- treat indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – a condition which means you keep getting acid reflux
- prevent stomach ulcers
Sometimes, esomeprazole is taken for a rare condition caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Esomeprazole comes as capsules, tablets, and granules to make a liquid that you swallow.
Sometimes, it's mixed with naproxen, a medicine that reduces swelling (inflammation) and pain in joints and muscles. This is known by the brand name Vimovo.
All types of esomeprazole are available on prescription. You can also buy the lowest-strength, 20mg tablets and capsules, from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Key facts
- Esomeprazole starts to work within 2 to 3 days, but it may take up to 4 weeks for it to work fully
- Common side effects include headache, diarrhoea and stomach pain. These tend to be mild and go away when you stop taking the medicine.
- Sometimes, esomeprazole can make you feel dizzy, sleepy, or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better if this happens.
- If you buy esomeprazole without a prescription and your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, see a doctor before taking any more.
- You can drink alcohol while taking esomeprazole but it can make your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.