Esomeprazole+itopride
About Esomeprazole+itopride
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
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.