Esomeprazole
Esomeprazole is a acid reducer (proton pump inhibitor) found in 18 medicines sold in India, such as Nexpro 40, Sompraz 40, Esoz 40. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Reduces stomach acid to treat reflux and ulcers.
How it works
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), the purified active form of omeprazole, used for reflux, ulcers and with antibiotics to clear H. pylori.
How to take it
Take once a day, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, swallowed whole (do not crush or chew). Short courses of 2 to 8 weeks are usual; long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Wind
- Constipation
Get medical help straight away if
- Watery diarrhoea that does not stop (possible C. difficile infection)
- Difficulty swallowing, weight loss or black stools
- Muscle cramps or spasms (low magnesium with long use)
Be careful
Take before food. Long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor.
Other medicines and interactions
Like omeprazole, it can reduce the effect of clopidogrel and raise levels of diazepam, phenytoin and warfarin.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed; ask your doctor.
Brands of Esomeprazole (17)
Combination medicines that contain Esomeprazole (1)
Common questions
What is Esomeprazole used for?
Reduces stomach acid to treat reflux and ulcers.
How does Esomeprazole work?
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), the purified active form of omeprazole, used for reflux, ulcers and with antibiotics to clear H. pylori.
How should I take Esomeprazole?
Take once a day, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, swallowed whole (do not crush or chew). Short courses of 2 to 8 weeks are usual; long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor.
What are the side effects of Esomeprazole?
Common: Headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, wind, constipation. Get help straight away for: Watery diarrhoea that does not stop (possible C. difficile infection), difficulty swallowing, weight loss or black stools, muscle cramps or spasms (low magnesium with long use).
Does Esomeprazole interact with other medicines?
Like omeprazole, it can reduce the effect of clopidogrel and raise levels of diazepam, phenytoin and warfarin.
Is Esomeprazole safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed; ask your doctor.
Does Esomeprazole need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Esomeprazole?
Esofag 40, Esofence 40, Esofine 40, Esogress 40, Esomac 40, Esoz 40, Lupisoz, Neksium 40, Nexium 40, Nexpro 20, Nexpro 40, Nexpro Fast 40, Nexpro RD, Raciper 40, Sompraz 20, Sompraz 40, Sppi 40, Yees 40.
Sources and further reading
- Esomeprazole: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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