Esomeprazole 20mg is a type of prescription medication called a Proton Pump Inhibitor, commonly known as a PPI. This medicine works by cutting down the acid in your stomach and easing acid reflux symptoms. It’s a go-to choice for treating issues like heartburn, acid reflux, and even stomach ulcers. Esomeprazole 20mg is available in the UK with a prescription from your GP or pharmacist. 

What is Esomprazole used for?

Esomeprazole is used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as: 

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Stomach ulcers and damage to the lower oesophagus caused by acid reflux.

Who is Esomeprazole 20mg suitable for?

Most adults can take Esomeprazole if they suffer from acid reflux or gastrointestinal issues. However, children will only be prescribed Esomeprazole if they suffer from GERD. 

Esomeprazole may not be suitable for you if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or any other medicine
• have liver problems
• are due to have an endoscopy

Esomeprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy. If you are due to have an endoscopy, ask your doctor if you should stop taking esomeprazole a few weeks before your procedure. 

How does Esomeprazole work?

Esomeprazole works by reducing the acid levels in the stomach by blocking systems in the cell walls of the stomach called Proton Pumps. Esomeprazole helps to prevent proton pumps in the stomach from working properly. These proton pumps are enzymes found in the lining of the stomach which produce acid, thereby decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach. 

How to take Esomeprazole 

Esomeprazole 20mg is typically taken once a day first thing in the morning and swallowed whole with a glass of water . It can be taken either with or without food. 

If you are recommended by your GP or pharmacist to take Esomeprazole twice a day, take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening. 

What are the Side Effects of Esomeprazole 20mg?

If you experience any of the following side effects from taking Esomeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist and seek appropriate advice from them.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Effects or pain in your stomach or gut
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
• Benign polyps in the stomach

Uncommon Side Effects

• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• Feeling sleepy or disturbed sleep
• Dizziness
• Tingling feelings such as “pins and needles”
• Spinning feeling (vertigo)
• Skin rash, hives and itchy skin

Rare Side Effects

• Eyesight problems such as blurred vision
• Suddenly feeling wheezy or short of breath (bronchospasm)
• Thrush 
• Skin rash on exposure to sunshine
• Joint pains (arthralgia) or muscle pains (myalgia)

You can find all of the side effects in the Esomeprazole 20mg patient information leaflet. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Taking Esomeprazole 20mg 

Despite the widespread use and excellent safety profile of Esomeprazole 20mg, concerns have been raised about the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors. These concerns include potential adverse effects like hypergastrinemia, the development of pneumonia, and drug interactions. The NHS advises that it should be used under medical guidance for the most effective and safest long-term treatment. 

A recent study has also found that long-term use of PPIs, like Esomeprazole, can lead to an increased risk of dementia. 

If you are unsure whether you will need to take Esomeprazole long-term and are worried about the side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Esomeprazole 20mg Ingredients 

Active Ingredients: Esomeprazole

Inactive ingredients: sugar spheres (sucrose and maise starch), crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide, mannitol, sucrose, methacrylic acid – ethyl acrylate polymer (1:1) dispersion 30%, triethyl citrate, glycerol monostearate, polysorbate 80, talc

Alternatives to Esomeprazole 

If you cannot take Esomeprazole, there are other Proton Pump Inhibitors for acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion available. At Click2Pharmacy, we also stock Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole and Omeprazole, which can be purchased online following a consultation with one of our pharmacists. 

Buy Esomeprazole Online from Click2Pharmacy 

Esomeprazole is an effective option for treating stomach issues like acid reflux and indigestion. You can buy Esomeprazole online by filling in our short online consultation form, which will be reviewed by our licensed pharmacists. At Click2Pharmacy, our regulated online UK-based pharmacy has a dedicated acid reflux clinic. We can help you find the right treatment whilst offering 100% confidentiality with the best online pharmacy prices. Complete our online assessment to buy Esomeprazole online today.