Description:

Esomeprazole 20mg Gastro-resistant Tablets (by Jubilant) are proton pump inhibitor (PPI) tablets used to reduce stomach acid production. They are indicated for:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD) – treatment of erosive reflux oesophagitis and symptomatic relief of heartburn and acid regurgitation.
• Long-term management of healed erosive oesophagitis to prevent relapse.
• Healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (in combination with antibiotics).
• Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers in at-risk patients.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (pathological hypersecretory conditions). The gastro-resistant coating allows the tablet to pass through the stomach intact and release the drug in the intestine for optimal absorption and acid suppression. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common prescription medication available in pharmacies for acid-related disorders.

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by physicians, gastroenterologists, or general practitioners; not OTC for most indications due to need for proper diagnosis and monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) / Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor .

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Esomeprazole (as esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate) – 20 mg. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Sugar spheres, hypromellose, methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer, talc, triethyl citrate, titanium dioxide, macrogol, polysorbate 80, iron oxides (for coloring), and other coating agents. The tablets are gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) to protect the drug from gastric acid degradation.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Esomeprazole 20mg gastro-resistant tablets (standard lower dose for maintenance or mild-moderate conditions). Related variants: Esomeprazole 40mg gastro-resistant tablets (higher dose for severe cases or initial healing), or other brands (e.g., Nexium, Esomeprazole generics). The 20mg strength is the most common for long-term GORD maintenance or mild reflux.

Consume Type:

Oral – Gastro-resistant tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split – coating must remain intact).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults (GORD/erosive oesophagitis): 20mg once daily for 4–8 weeks (healing), then 20mg once daily for maintenance.
• Symptomatic GORD: 20mg once daily for up to 4 weeks (may continue longer if needed).
• H. pylori eradication: 20mg twice daily + antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin + clarithromycin) for 7–14 days.
• NSAID ulcer prevention: 20mg once daily.
• Take preferably in the morning, before food (best absorption on empty stomach).
• Duration: Short-term for acute conditions (4–8 weeks); long-term for maintenance or chronic conditions (with periodic review).
• Do not exceed prescribed dose.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness. Less common/serious (seek help): Severe diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile-associated), liver enzyme elevation, low magnesium (hypomagnesaemia – with prolonged use), bone fractures (long-term high-dose), severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), or interstitial nephritis.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 14 or 28 tablets per pack; 2×14 or 4×7 foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet and dosing instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to esomeprazole, other PPIs, or severe hepatic impairment.
• Caution in long-term use (risk of hypomagnesaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, fractures, infections – monitor periodically).
• Do not use for self-treatment of heartburn >14 days without medical advice (may mask serious conditions like gastric cancer).
• Monitor for low magnesium (muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat) or Clostridium difficile diarrhoea (severe watery diarrhoea).
• Avoid concurrent use with clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect) or strong CYP2C19 inhibitors without adjustment.
• If severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, black stools, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss occurs, seek urgent care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar esomeprazole 20mg gastro-resistant tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic esomeprazole 20mg tablets (various importers).
• Nexium (original AstraZeneca brand, higher price if stocked).
• Esomeprazole generics (e.g., Esomiz, Nexpro, or local brands). Alternatives: Omeprazole 20mg, lansoprazole 30mg, pantoprazole 40mg, rabeprazole 20mg (other PPIs). Consult pharmacist/physician in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Jubilant Generics Limited or Jubilant Life Sciences (India; Jubilant often produces generic esomeprazole under various brand names for export markets). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Jubilant or similar Indian company; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).