This article describes esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for esomeprazole. If you want to know more about esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, and more.
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Nexium. “Delayed release” means the drug is slowly released in your body after you swallow it.
Esomeprazole also comes in a suspension form taken by mouth (esomeprazole magnesium) and an injectable form (esomeprazole sodium), but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
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Form and strengths of esomeprazole
Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: oral delayed-release capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 20 milligrams (mg), 40 mg
Dosage of esomeprazole
This article describes the recommended dosages for esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of esomeprazole in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
Recommended dosages for esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule in adults are shown in the table below.
| Condition/purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency | Length of treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| erosive esophagitis (treatment) | 20 mg or 40 mg | once daily | 4 to 8 weeks (with an additional 4 to 8 weeks as needed) |
| erosive esophagitis (healing maintenance) | 20 mg | once daily | up to 6 months |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms | 20 mg | once daily | 4 to 8 weeks |
| prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | 20 to 40 mg | once daily | up to 6 months |
| Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection | 40 mg | once daily | 10 days |
| hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | starting dose: 40 mg dose can be adjusted to meet patient needs maximum dose over 24 hours: 240 mg | twice daily | as long as needed |
H. pylori is a type of bacteria. To help get rid of H. pylori infection, doctors prescribe esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule together with other medications.
Hypersecretory conditions are conditions that cause too much acid to be made in the stomach.
Dosages of esomeprazole in children
Esomeprazole delayed-release capsule is also approved for use in children ages 12 years and older.
| Condition | Recommended dose | Frequency | Length of treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| erosive esophagitis (treatment) | 20 mg or 40 mg | once daily | 4 to 8 weeks |
| GERD symptoms | 20 mg | once daily | 4 weeks |
Dosage adjustments for esomeprazole
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have, such as liver problems
- taking other medications that may interact with esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule
Missed dose of esomeprazole
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule and its dosage.
When is the best time of day to take esomeprazole?
There’s no best time of day to take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. But it’s best to take the medication around the same time each day. This helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body at all times. It’s recommended that you take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule at least 1 hour before a meal.
If you have more questions about the timing of taking your esomeprazole dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Should I take my dose of esomeprazole before or after food?
Take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule at least 1 hour before a meal.
Is esomeprazole taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How esomeprazole is taken
You’ll swallow esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule once per day. Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule should be swallowed whole with plenty of liquid. Do not chew or crush the capsule. If you can’t swallow it, you can open the capsule and mix the contents with applesauce.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Esomeprazole coupon
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