Esomeprazole Viatris (Esomeprazole (As Magnesium Dihydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Esomeprazole Viatris Used For?
Esomeprazole Viatris is a proton-pump inhibitor that works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. This helps relieve symptoms and allows healing to occur while still allowing normal food digestion.
Primary Uses
Treats reflux oesophagitis (heartburn caused by stomach acid backing up into the food pipe), upper stomach symptoms caused by anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), peptic ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (rare condition causing excess stomach acid), and bleeding peptic ulcers.
How It Works
Decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach to provide symptom relief and allow healing. This does not interfere with normal food digestion.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Esomeprazole Viatris is addictive.
How to Take Esomeprazole Viatris
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication should be taken at about the same time each day to help you remember.
Dosage Instructions
Usually one tablet daily (20 mg or 40 mg depending on your condition). Swallow tablets whole with water – do not crush or chew as they won’t work properly. Can be taken with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing, dissolve the tablet in half a glass of non-carbonated water, stir gently, and drink immediately with the pellets. Most patients see symptom relief quickly with healing usually complete within 4 weeks.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- headache
- wind (gas)
- stomach pain
- skin rash or itchy skin
- dizziness
- dry mouth
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- severe skin reactions with rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling
- signs of liver inflammation (yellowing of skin/eyes, feeling unwell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
- blood in urine
- increased or decreased urine output
- vomiting blood or food
- black (blood-stained) bowel movements
- pain or indigestion during treatment
Important Warnings
Before taking this medication, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications.
Who Should Not Take Esomeprazole Viatris
Do not take if you are allergic to esomeprazole, any proton-pump inhibitors, or any ingredients in the tablets. Do not take with atazanavir, nelfinavir, or cilostazol. Do not use after expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines/foods/dyes, liver problems, severe kidney problems, osteoporosis, or have had skin reactions to similar stomach acid-reducing medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It may affect your baby or pass into breast milk. Only use if your doctor determines the benefits outweigh the risks.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Esomeprazole Viatris, affecting how well it works or how other medicines work.
- atazanavir and nelfinavir (HIV medicines) – do not take together
- cilostazol (intermittent claudication) – do not take together
- ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole (antifungal medicines)
- diazepam (anxiety medicine)
- phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- citalopram, clomipramine, imipramine (depression medicines)
- St John’s wort (herbal mood remedy)
- clarithromycin, rifampicin (antibiotics)
- warfarin, clopidogrel (blood thinners)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- methotrexate (arthritis/cancer medicine)
- tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (organ transplant medicines)
- erlotinib (cancer medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Esomeprazole Viatris affects you.
Storage
Keep tablets in the blister pack until ready to take – they won’t keep well if removed early. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you or someone else takes too much Esomeprazole Viatris, seek immediate medical attention even if there are no symptoms. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most patients, Esomeprazole Viatris relieves symptoms rapidly and healing is usually complete within 4 weeks.
Yes, Esomeprazole Viatris can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
No, there is no evidence that Esomeprazole Viatris is addictive.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, you must swallow Esomeprazole Viatris tablets whole with water. If chewed or crushed, they will not work properly. If you have trouble swallowing, you can dissolve the tablet in non-carbonated water.
Tell your doctor if your reflux symptoms return after stopping Esomeprazole Viatris. Although it can heal ulcers successfully, it may not prevent them from recurring later.
It is not known if Esomeprazole Viatris is safe during pregnancy and it may affect your baby. Only take it if your doctor determines the benefits outweigh the risks.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.