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Delayed Release Capsule
Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE (ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole)
Common uses
This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn, or
gastroesophageal reflux. It may be used in combination with two antibiotics
to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and duodenal ulcers. It
may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you are taking cilostazol, diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole,
ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins with iron. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have
liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, or crush the capsule. Take this medicine at
least 1 hour before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. IF YOU
HAVE DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING CAPSULES, you may open the capsule and sprinkle
the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the
applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and
should be soft enough to swallow without chewing. Discard any uneaten
applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may be taken with antacids if
your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2
doses at once.
Cautions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU
PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks
of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS
EXCRETED in breast-milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are
using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the
risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache,
constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check
with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience throat
pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if
it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion,
drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating,
flushing, headache, and dry mouth. |