INN monograph
Esomeprazole
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Proton pump inhibitor (PPI))
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to PPIs.
- Caution with rilpivirine and some antivirals (gastric pH).
Precautions
- Warnings Allergy alert : Do not use if you are allergic to esomeprazole.
- Esomeprazole may cause severe skin reactions.
- Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Directions adults 18 years of age and older this product is to be used once a day (every 24 hours), every day for 14 days may take 1 to 4 days for full effect 14-Day Course of Treatment • swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water before eating in the morning • take every day for 14 days • do not take more than 1 tablet a day • swallow whole. Do not crush or chew capsules. • do not use for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor Repeated 14-Day Courses (if needed) • you may repeat a 14-day course every 4 months • do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor children under 18 years of age: ask a doctor before use. Heartburn in children may sometimes be caused by a serious condition .
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Rare AIN; otherwise minimal renal dosing issues.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Severe hepatic impairment: dose reduction for some agents.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Esomeprazole is the S enantiomer of omeprazole in its pure form.
- This S enantiomer is more potent than the R enantiomer.
- It binds to H+/K+-exchanging ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells resulting in blocking acid secretion.
- PPIs act by irreversibly blocking gastric proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase), which is involved in this last stage of gastric acid secretion.
- The enzyme copies that are destroyed by PPIs are soon replaced with new copies of the same.
- PPIs are generally more effective than H2-antagonists.PPIs are indicated for treatment of dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD / GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux, Barrett's esophagus, prevention of stress gastritis, gastrinomas and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- PPIs include the following: omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole
Safety
Adverse effects
- Headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
- Serious: severe hypomagnesaemia, interstitial nephritis, C. difficile association, subacute cutaneous lupus (rare).
Use
Indications
- GERD without erosive esophagitis, GERD with erosive esophagitis, H.
- pylori eradication in combination therapy (with amoxicillin and clarithromycin), risk reduction of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Pharmacology
Mode of action
PPIs irreversibly inhibit the gastric H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) in parietal cells, suppressing basal and stimulated acid secretion — the most potent pharmacological acid suppression.
Full mechanism text
PPIs irreversibly inhibit the gastric H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) in parietal cells, suppressing basal and stimulated acid secretion — the most potent pharmacological acid suppression.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 1–2 hours; full acid suppression days |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 hours+ (irreversible pump inhibition) |
| Route | ORAL / IV |
| Metabolism | (polymorphisms affect levels). Short plasma |
| Half-life | but prolonged pharmacodynamic effect. |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESOFAG | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 40MG TABS 30*S | 601.40 |
| ESOME | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | CAPS 40MG*14`S | 518.35 |
| ESOMEPRAZOLE | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 20MG TABS 30*S (ESOFAG) | 251.55 |
| ESOSE | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 20MG TABS 30*S | 1,632.87 |
| NEXIUM | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 40MG TABS 14`S | 2,340.27 |
| PROTAS | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | 20MG *30 | 274.13 |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Often used when indicated; omeprazole has substantial human data — still risk–benefit.
Lactation
Generally considered acceptable; infant exposure low.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Proton pump inhibitor (PPI))
Clinical review date not recorded.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.