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:
- 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
- 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.
- True or False. Esomeprazole is the R-enantiomer of Prilosec.
- 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:
- A, B, C, and E are correct.
- A, C, and D are correct. 40 mg PO tid is not the correct dosing when treating Erosive esophagitis.
- False. Esomeprazole is the “S”-enatiomer of Prilosec (omeprazole).
- Since esomeprazole decreases stomach acid in patients this affects serum concentrations of drugs.
PDF of Drug Card: esomeprazole
