Medication Treat Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive disorder. It affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. GERD is also defined as the return of the stomach content back up to the esophagus. It results in heartburn, mucosal damage and chronic injury to the esophagus.

The drug treat symptoms of GERD and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid. FDA approved the above drug on 20 February 2001.

How do Esomeprazole works?

Esomeprazole belongs to the class of medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The drug blocks the production of acid by the stomach.

PPIs like the above drug works by blocking the enzyme that produces acid. This acid is present in the wall of the stomach. Blocking the enzyme, decrease the production of acid. This allows healing of stomach and esophageal. Low amount of acid limits the backflow of stomach acid.

How to take Esomeprazole?

It is available in the form of pills of 40 mg. The dose of above drug varies depending upon the age, the diseased state etc.

Dosage:-          

Adults and adolescents (12-17 years).

-20 mg – 40 mg one time every day for 4-8 weeks.

Children: – (1-11 years).

-10 mg one time every day for 4 weeks.

The dose may also vary depending on,

• Other medical conditions you have.
• How you respond to this medicines.
• Your body weight etc.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal.

What are the uses of Esomeprazole?

1. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
2. Heals acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus.
3. revent ulcers caused by NSAIDs and H.Pylori bacteria.
4. Decrease amount of acid production in the stomach.
5. Release symptom such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing and persistent cough.
6. May prevent cancer of the esophagus.

What are the Precautions in taking Esomeprazole?

• Certain conditions are needed to be discussed with your doctor before using Esomeprazole. Inform your doctor in case you have/are.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.
• Severe liver disease.
• Gastric malignancy.
• Allergy of above drug or other ingredients in it.
• Any other allergies.
• Dental or any other surgery.
• Long-term use may increase the risk of bone fractures. Calcium supplement and vitamin D supplements may be advised by your healthcare providers.
• Inform right away to your doctor in case of any side effects like,
• Trouble swallowing food.
• Bloody, coffee grounds, stools.
• Bloody vomit.
• Frequent chest pain.
• Stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Unusual sweating etc.
• The medicine may cause a low level of magnesium in the body.
• Tell your doctor what other medicines you take.

Cost of Esomeprazole [Generic and Brand]

Generic medicines have very same active ingredient as the Brand versions. The difference is the costing of the two types. Generic drugs are cheaper. Brand drugs need to spend a huge amount of packaging, pricing, and advertising. They also have to spend for research and development of the drug. Generic drugs don’t include these expenditures.

Cost of Generic Esomeprazole.

Pack of 30 pills of 40 mg costs $ 49, per unit cost is $ 1.63.

Cost of brand Nexium.

Pack of 30 capsules of 40 mg costs $ 167, per unit cost is $ 5.56.