Back to Medicine Index

Opton 20 mg

Tablet

Generic: Esomeprazole

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Therapeutic Class: Proton Pump Inhibitor

Indications

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (healing and maintenance of erosive reflux oesophagitis and relief of symptoms), healing and prevention of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer, eradication of Helicobacter pylori in combination with antibiotics, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pharmacology

Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole. It suppresses gastric acid secretion by specifically inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme (the proton pump) of the gastric parietal cell.

Dosage & Administration

Erosive reflux oesophagitis: 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks; maintenance 20 mg once daily. Symptomatic GERD: 20 mg once daily for up to 4 weeks. NSAID-associated gastric ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. H. pylori eradication: 20 mg twice daily with antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. Injection: 20 to 40 mg once daily by intravenous injection or infusion when oral treatment is not possible.

Side Effects

Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. Rarely dry mouth, dizziness and skin rash.

Precautions & Warnings

Take at least 1 hour before a meal. Exclude gastric malignancy before treatment when alarm symptoms are present. Use with caution in severe liver impairment. Long-term use may lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels and increase the risk of bone fracture. May reduce the effect of clopidogrel.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors. Concomitant use with nelfinavir.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.

Other brands of the same generic