Esomeprazole+itopride
About
Esomeprazole+itopride is a combination medicine used to treat acidity, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers due to H pylori), heartburn symptoms and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the intestine and stomach. A gastric ulcer occurs mainly due to a bacteria known as H pylori which irritate and weakens the upper protective layer or mucous of the stomach leading to sores and ulcer.
Esomeprazole+itopride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Esomeprazole and Itopride. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) which works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump responsible for the production of stomach acid. Itopride is a gastroprokinetic agent which works by increasing the gastric emptying time, thereby improving the movement/motility of the food pipe, stomach and intestine. Together, Esomeprazole+itopride helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from symptoms of excessive stomach acid production, which causes an ulcer.
Take Esomeprazole+itopride 30-60 minutes before food/meal. Swallow Esomeprazole+itopride as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it. You are advised to take Esomeprazole+itopride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, flatulence, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhoea. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
On long-term treatment, Esomeprazole+itopride may cause osteoporosis, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium), and may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Esomeprazole+itopride may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Esomeprazole+itopride should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Esomeprazole+itopride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines and your health condition to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Esomeprazole+itopride
Medicinal Benefits
Esomeprazole+itopride is a combination medicine used to treat acidity, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer and heartburn. Esomeprazole+itopride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Esomeprazole and Itopride. Esomeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors, whereas itopride belongs to a group of medicines called prokinetic agents. Esomeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called the gastric proton pump, responsible for the production of stomach acid. Itopride works by accelerating the gastric emptying time, thereby increasing the movement of the food pipe, intestine and stomach. Besides this, Itopride also has anti-emetic action, which prevents the symptom of nausea and vomiting. Together, Esomeprazole+itopride helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from hyperacidity, ulcers and heartburn.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Esomeprazole+itopride
- Headache
- Flatulence
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Esomeprazole+itopride if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking nelfinavir (anti-HIV); if you have a gastrointestinal haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or perforation, epilepsy, mania, porphyria, or cardiac impairment. Inform your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you have severe liver or kidney problems; if you are due to have Chromogranin A test. Consult your doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, vomit food or blood, or if you pass black stools. On long-term treatment, Esomeprazole+itopride may cause osteoporosis, hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium), and may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Esomeprazole+itopride may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Esomeprazole+itopride should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Esomeprazole+itopride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Esomeprazole+itopride may interact with pain killers (aspirin, naproxen), an antidepressant (duloxetine, citalopram), anti-anxiety (diazepam), hypothyroidism (levothyroxine), blood thinner (clopidogrel), and vitamin (cyanocobalamin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical obstruction or perforation, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), liver disease, bone fractures, or hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Esomeprazole+itopride. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Esomeprazole+itopride can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionEsomeprazole+itopride may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeEsomeprazole+itopride should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor if you are due to have Chromogranin A test.
- Regular tests of magnesium and calcium are suggested if you are on long-term treatment with Esomeprazole+itopride.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets irritated or eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers and heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and intestine due to erosion of stomach's protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
FAQs
Esomeprazole+itopride contains Esomeprazole and Itopride. Esomeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Itopride works by accelerating gastric emptying and improves gastric sensitivity and tension. It also has anti-emetic action. Together, Esomeprazole+itopride helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Esomeprazole+itopride. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
Esomeprazole+itopride may increase the risk of bone fracture in the hip, spine or wrist. This mainly occurs in people taking higher doses of Esomeprazole+itopride for longer durations. Inform your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+itopride if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids.
