Drug Cards Daily

Episode #38: esomeprazole (Nexium) | Podcast Show Notes
esomeprazole (es oh ME pray zol)

Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for esomeprazole along with a brief summary of various points on esomeprazole. 

QUESTIONS:

  1. Which of the following are appropriate uses of esomeprazole? Select all that apply. 
    • A). Symptomatic non erosive GERD
    • B). Erosive esophagitis
    • C). H. pylori infection
    • D). C. diff infection
    • E). Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  2. A patient with erosive esophagitis has been prescribed esomeprazole but has a lot of trouble swallowing capsules whole. Which of the following is an appropriate therapy?
    • A). 40 mg NG qd.
    • B). 40 mg PO tid with capsule opened and given in applesauce.
    • C). 20 mg PO qd with capsule opened and given in applesauce.
    • D). 20 mg IV qd.
    • E). All of the above are appropriate for a patient that has trouble swallowing capsules. 
  3. True or False. Esomeprazole is the R-enantiomer of Prilosec.
  4. Explain how esomeprazole might affect the efficacy of other drugs.

SUMMARY:

Esomeprazole is available over the counter and by prescription. The commonly known brand name is Nexium. Esomeprazole is a substituted benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It comes in a delayed release capsule and as delayed release granule packets. When treating GERD and other hypersecretory conditions a typical dosing range is between 20-40 mg po qd-bid. Esomeprazole is also used as part of a multi-drug regimen for treating  H. pylori infection. The mechanism of action behind esomeprazole is through the suppression of acid secretion by inhibiting hydrogen-potassium ATPase. Esomeprazole is the S-enantiomer of omeprazole (Prilosec). Since esomeprazole affects stomach acid it may alter how well other drugs work. For example, absorption of drugs may decrease which may lead to a decrease in efficacy of those drugs. Esomeprazole is best when taken 1 hour before a meal and best if taken before the first meal of the day. If needed, the capsule can be opened.

ANSWERS:  

  1. A, B, C, and E are correct. 
  2. A, C, and D are correct. 40 mg PO tid is not the correct dosing when treating Erosive esophagitis.
  3. False. Esomeprazole is the “S”-enatiomer of Prilosec (omeprazole).
  4. Since esomeprazole decreases stomach acid in patients this affects serum concentrations of drugs.
Did you get any wrong? Make sure to listen to this week’s episode and download the free Drug Card for esomeprazole.

PDF of Drug Card: esomeprazole