Dosage and how to take esomeprazole
Dosage and strength
Tablets or capsules contain 20mg or 40mg of esomeprazole.
One sachet of granules contains 10mg of esomeprazole.
The usual dose to treat:
- heartburn and acid reflux is 20mg a day
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is 20mg to 40mg a day
- stomach ulcers is 20mg a day
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 80mg a day – this can increase to 160mg a day depending on how well it works for you
Changes to your dose
Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose if it’s not working well enough.
If you start on a higher dose, your doctor may recommend lowering it after the first 1 to 2 months.
Doses are usually lower for children and people with liver problems.
How to take it
You'll usually take esomeprazole once a day, first thing in the morning. You can take it with or without food.
If you take esomeprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening.
How to take tablets and capsules
Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a drink of still (non-fizzy) water. Do not take it with other liquids. Do not chew or crush the tablets or capsules.
If you have problems swallowing esomeprazole capsules, you can open them up and empty the medicine into a glass. Mix with some water and drink straight away.
If you have problems swallowing tablets, you can add them to a glass of still water. Stir with a spoon until the tablet has broken up and the water is not clear. Drink straight away. Half fill the glass with still water again, and drink. This makes sure you get all the medicine. Do not chew or crush the bits of the tablet that are in the water.
How to take granules
If your child is under 12, their doctor may prescribe esomeprazole granules which come in sachets. Empty the granules into a glass and mix with some water, leave for a few minutes until the liquid has thickened, then encourage them to drink it straight away. The granules should not be chewed or crushed.
If you get esomeprazole on prescription, or buy it from a pharmacy or shop, follow your doctor’s advice, or the information in the pack.
How long to take it for
If you buy esomeprazole from a pharmacy or a shop, and do not feel better after taking it for 2 weeks, tell your doctor. They may want to do tests to find out what's causing your symptoms or change your medicine.
If you get esomeprazole on prescription, you may only need to take it for a few weeks or months, depending on your condition. Sometimes, your doctor may advise you to take it for longer, even long term.
Your doctor may suggest taking esomeprazole only when you have symptoms. This means you will not have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it, usually after a few days or weeks.
Taking esomeprazole for a short time to treat symptoms is not suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor about what's best for you.
If you forget to take it
If you usually take esomeprazole:
- once a day – take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 12 hours until your next dose. If that happens, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time
- twice a day – take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 4 hours until your next dose. If that happens, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
It's unlikely that taking 1 or 2 extra doses will cause any problems. But check with a doctor if you're worried.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of esomeprazole and feel unwell
Call 111 or get help from 111 online
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the esomeprazole packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine and any other medicines you take.
Stopping esomeprazole
If you've taken esomeprazole for a long time, speak to your doctor before you stop taking it. Stopping suddenly could make your stomach produce a lot more acid, and make your symptoms come back.