Esomeprazole Pwdr 10mg DR For Susp
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
1. Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
2. Take your dose 1 hour before a meal.
3. To prepare your dose, mix the contents of the packet with water as follows:
For 2.5 mg or 5 mg packets, mix with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water.
For 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg packets, mix with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water.
* If you need to take 2 packets, use double the amount of water.
4. Stir the mixture into the water, then let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Mix well and drink the entire dose within 30 minutes of preparing it.
6. Discard any unused portion of the dose within 30 minutes of preparing it.
7. Rinse your cup with more water and drink it to ensure you get the full dose.
Continuing Your Medication
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel well.
Using a Feeding Tube
If you have a feeding tube, your medication can be given through the tube. Follow these steps:
1. For 2.5 mg or 5 mg packets, add 5 mL of water to a syringe, then add the packet contents.
2. For 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg packets, add 15 mL of water to a syringe, then add the packet contents.
3. Replace the plunger and shake the syringe.
4. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then shake again and give it through the feeding tube.
5. After giving the medication, refill the syringe with the same amount of water used, shake, and flush the feeding tube.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
1. Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
2. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
3. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so.
4. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication. You may also be able to participate in a drug take-back program in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed, usually once daily, at least one hour before your first meal.
- For the powder for oral suspension, mix the contents of the packet with water as directed and take immediately. Do not chew or crush the granules.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed if you experience nighttime heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking, as smoking can worsen acid reflux.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Esomeprazole Magnesium 20mg DR Caps
- Esomeprazole Magnesium 40mg DR Caps
- Esomeprazole Magnesium 40mg DR Caps
- Esomeprazole Magnesium 20mg DR Caps
- Esomeprazole Pwdr 10mg DR For Susp
- Esomeprazole Pwdr 20mg DR For Susp
- Esomeprazole Pwdr 40mg DR For Susp
- Esomeprazole Sod 40mg Inj, 1 Vial
- Esomeprazole Mag 20mg DR Caps (otc)
- Esomeprazole Mag 20mg DR Caps (otc)
- Esomeprazole Mag 20mg DR Caps (otc)
- Esomeprazole 2.5mg DR Pwdr Pkt Susp
- Esomeprazole 5mg DR Pwdr Pkt Susp
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of electrolyte problems: mood changes, confusion, muscle pain, cramps, or spasms, weakness, shakiness, change in balance, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, loss of appetite, or severe upset stomach or vomiting.
Signs of kidney problems: inability to pass urine, change in urine output, blood in the urine, or significant weight gain.
Severe dizziness or fainting.
Bone pain.
Significant weight loss.
This medication may increase the risk of a severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD). If you experience stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately. Do not attempt to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions, can occur with this medication. These reactions can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin.
Red or irritated eyes.
Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any area of skin.
Fever.
Chills.
Body aches.
Shortness of breath.
Swollen glands.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Headache.
Stomach pain or diarrhea.
Constipation.
Gas.
Dry mouth.
Upset stomach.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (may be a sign of C. difficile infection)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools
- New or worsening joint pain with a rash on the nose and cheeks (possible lupus)
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or irregular heartbeat (signs of low magnesium)
- Unusual fatigue, pale skin, or tingling/numbness (signs of vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use)
- Signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urination, blood in urine, swelling)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Atazanavir, Clopidogrel, Methotrexate, Nelfinavir, Rifampin, Rilpivirine, St. John's Wort, or Warfarin.
* If you have a history of any of the following health issues:
+ Black or bloody stools
+ Heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, dizziness, or wheezing
+ Chest pain
+ Shoulder pain with shortness of breath
+ Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, or shoulders
+ Lightheadedness
+ Excessive sweating
+ Vomiting blood
+ Difficulty or pain when swallowing food
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all of your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
Patients with weak bones (osteoporosis) should be aware that this medication may increase the risk of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist. This risk may be higher if you take this medication in high doses, for longer than a year, or if you are over 50 years old. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, steroid use, seizure medication, or a family history of osteoporosis, exercise caution and discuss your risks with your doctor.
Prolonged treatment with this medication (typically at least 3 months) may lead to rare cases of low magnesium levels, often occurring after 1 year of treatment. This condition may cause other electrolyte problems, and your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your magnesium levels.
Long-term treatment with this medication (usually longer than 3 years) has been associated with rare cases of low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the signs of low vitamin B-12 levels, including shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, tiredness, mood changes, or numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
This medication has been linked to cases of lupus, as well as exacerbating existing lupus conditions. If you have lupus, inform your doctor, and seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms such as a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, changes in skin color, easy sunburn, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Taking this medication for more than 1 year may increase the risk of developing stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Limited experience with overdose. Symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, sweating, flushing, headache, dry mouth, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Esomeprazole is extensively protein bound and not readily dialyzable. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately for advice.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Rilpivirine (due to significant reduction in rilpivirine plasma concentrations)
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect due to CYP2C19 inhibition)
- Methotrexate (increased and prolonged methotrexate and/or its metabolite exposure)
- Atazanavir, Nelfinavir (reduced absorption and plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals)
- Erlotinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib (reduced absorption and plasma concentrations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin (increased INR and prothrombin time)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus plasma concentrations)
- Digoxin (increased digoxin absorption and plasma concentrations)
- Iron salts (reduced absorption of iron)
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole (reduced absorption of antifungals)
- Diazepam (reduced clearance of diazepam)
- Citalopram (increased citalopram exposure)
Minor Interactions
- Sucralfate (may delay absorption of esomeprazole; administer esomeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate)
- St. John's Wort (may induce CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, potentially reducing esomeprazole levels)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess severity and track treatment efficacy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To identify any pre-existing impairment that may require dose adjustment (hepatic) or influence monitoring.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with known comorbidities
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly throughout therapy (e.g., weekly for initial treatment, then periodically)
Target: Significant reduction or absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate need for dose adjustment, further diagnostic workup, or alternative therapy.
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients on long-term therapy (β₯3 months) or with concomitant diuretics/digoxin.
Target: Within normal limits (1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: Hypomagnesemia (e.g., <1.7 mg/dL) requires magnesium supplementation and/or discontinuation of esomeprazole.
Frequency: Consider for patients on long-term (e.g., >1 year) high-dose therapy, especially with other risk factors for osteoporosis.
Target: Maintain healthy bone density
Action Threshold: Significant bone loss may require calcium/vitamin D supplementation or alternative therapy.
Frequency: Consider for patients on long-term (e.g., >3 years) therapy.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Deficiency requires supplementation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Persistent or worsening heartburn
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent vomiting
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools or coffee-ground vomit)
- Signs of hypomagnesemia (e.g., muscle cramps, tremors, seizures, arrhythmias)
- Signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (e.g., severe, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever)
- Signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urination, blood in urine, swelling)
- Signs of lupus erythematosus (e.g., rash on nose and cheeks, joint pain)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Limited data on esomeprazole use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. However, published observational studies on omeprazole (a racemic mixture containing esomeprazole) have not reported an increased risk of major birth defects with its use in pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh potential risks.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Esomeprazole is present in human milk. There are no data on the effects of esomeprazole on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the motherβs clinical need for esomeprazole and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from esomeprazole or from the underlying maternal condition. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding due to low levels in milk and low oral bioavailability in infants.
Pediatric Use
Approved for the treatment of GERD and erosive esophagitis in pediatric patients 1 month to 17 years of age. Dosing is weight and age-dependent. The 10mg powder for suspension is particularly useful for younger children who cannot swallow capsules.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between geriatric and younger patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary. However, due to potential for polypharmacy and comorbidities, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, often marketed as 'the purple pill'.
- Instruct patients to take esomeprazole at least 60 minutes before a meal, preferably the first meal of the day, for optimal acid suppression.
- For the powder for oral suspension, ensure patients understand how to properly prepare and administer the dose (e.g., mixing with water, not chewing granules).
- PPIs are not for immediate relief of heartburn; they work over several days to achieve full effect.
- Long-term use (over 1 year) has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, C. difficile infection, hypomagnesemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
- Consider tapering PPIs for patients on long-term therapy to avoid rebound acid hypersecretion upon discontinuation.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole, Dexlansoprazole
- Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs): Famotidine, Ranitidine (withdrawn from US market due to NDMA concerns, but other H2RAs are available)
- Antacids (for symptomatic relief)
- Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide, for motility issues, often used adjunctively)
- Surgery (e.g., Nissen fundoplication for severe GERD refractory to medical therapy)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a valuable resource that provides important information about your treatment. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of your medication. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide critical information, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken.