Esokem D Capsule

Esokem-D Capsule is an anti-reflux medicine used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which does not respond to esomeprazole medication alone. GERD is a condition in which acid from the stomach flow back up to the food pipe and causes heartburn, belching, nausea and chest pain. It contains Esomeprazole and Domperidone as its active ingredients.

Esokem-D Capsule works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and thus improves the motility in the gut. It reduces the backflow of stomach content to the food pipe. Take Esokem-D capsule for the prescribed duration.

It should preferably be taken at least an hour before a meal. This medicine is not for use in patients below 18 years of age. An active and healthy lifestyle is the key to control and manage acid reflux or related symptoms.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, weakness, confusion, agitation, anxiety, fits, altered consciousness, sleepiness, etc. In case of an overdose, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of Esokem-D capsule, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• A pump called the proton pump in the stomach is responsible for the flow of stomach acids.
• Esomeprazole works by binding to this proton pump in stomach cells and blocks the acid secretion.
• Domperidone acts by increasing the motility of the stomach and intestines so that acid does not reflux back into the food pipe.

Directions for Use

Esokem-D capsule should be taken as directed by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It should be taken at least 1 hour before meals. These capsules should not be opened, chewed or crushed. You should take this medicine regularly at a fixed time and as directed by your doctor. Do not consume it more than the prescribed dose.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Esokem-D capsule during pregnancy?

You should consult your doctor before using Esokem-D capsule as there is limited information about its safety during pregnancy. Your doctor will only prescribe you this medicine if considered essential after assessing the benefits over risks.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Esokem-D capsule while breastfeeding?

Components of Esokem-D capsule pass into breast milk in small amounts. Hence, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. After assessing the benefits over the risks, your doctor might change the medicine, ask you to stop breastfeeding or closely monitor the baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Esokem-D capsule?

Esokem-D capsule may make you feel dizzy, sleepy or even blur your vision temporarily. You should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Esokem-D capsule?

You should avoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with this medicine as it is known to increase acidity and can make your acidity worse.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any liver and kidney-related diseases.
• You are going to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).
• You notice blood in your vomit, black stools or have stomach tumour.
• You have a history of fractures or have osteoporosis or taking steroids.
• You develop skin lesions, especially in the sun-exposed area after taking this medicine.
• You are taking medicines to treat HIV infection or apomorphine (used to treat muscle stiffness).
• You have heart problems and associated symptoms like palpitations, difficulty in breathing and unconsciousness.
• You experience stomach pain or indigestion, unexplained weight loss, have problems while swallowing, vomit out food or blood after taking this medicine.
• You have low levels of vitamin B12. This medicine is known to reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 after long-term use. Supplements may be needed.
• You are on these capsules for long-term treatment (more than three months), your blood magnesium levels may decrease. Hence, your doctor may perform regular tests for the same.
• Esokem-D capsule is not recommended for patients below the age of 18 years.
• Taking this medicine for more than one year may increase the chances of developing bone fractures.
• This medicine may lead to a slightly increased risk of bacterial infections due to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to esomeprazole, domperidone or any other ingredients of Esokem-D capsule.
• If you have a blockage or tear in the intestines.
• If you are suffering from liver or kidney disorder.
• If you are suffering from bleeding in the digestive system.
• If you have any tumour of the pituitary gland (Prolactin pituitary tumours).
• If you have severe heart problems such as congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, electrolyte imbalance.
• If you are taking any medicine which might affect the contraction of the heart muscle (QT prolongation).
• If you are taking medicines such as Nelfinavir (used in HIV infection), Clarithromycin (antibiotic), Ketoconazole (antifungal) or Verapamil (used in high blood pressure and chest pain).

Side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Esokem-D capsule works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Esokem-D capsule should not be taken concomitantly along with medicines such as Nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection), Amiodarone (used to treat muscle stiffness), Clarithromycin (antibiotic), Ketoconazole (antifungal) or Verapamil (used in high blood pressure, chest pain).
• This capsule should also not be taken along with medicines used to treat heart problems (Quinidine, Sotalol), psychiatric illness (Haloperidol, Citalopram), antifungals (Pentamidine), antimalarials (Halofantrine, Lumefantrine), medicines used to treat allergies (Mizolastine), medicines to treat in cancer (Toremifene, Vandetanib), gastric emptying medicines (Cisapride) and other medicines like Diphemanil and Methadone.
• Concomitant use of this capsule with medicines used to treat psychiatric illness (Diazepam), used to treat fits (Phenytoin) is not recommended as it may increase the side effects of the medicines.
• Medicine used to treat heart failure like Digoxin may lead to toxicity when taken with this medicine.
• If you are taking Warfarin (blood-thinner) along with this medicine, caution is needed as there are chances of increased bleeding.
• Other medicines like Rifampicin, Methotrexate, Tacrolimus, Voriconazole, Cilostazol, Clopidogrel, Azithromycin, St John's wort, etc should be used cautiously along with Esokem-D capsule.

Interactions with food items

Esokem-D capsule should preferably be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals.

Storage and disposal

Store Esokem-D capsule below 25°C in a clean and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Keep this medicine away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the use of the Esokem-D capsule?

Esokem-D capsule is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults when GERD does not respond to esomeprazole medicine alone. This condition leads to acid regurgitating from the stomach into the food pipe, causing heartburn, chest discomfort and acidity.

Can Esokem-D capsule be taken after food?

Esokem-D capsule should not be taken after food as food interacts with the absorption of this medicine. Hence, it should preferably be taken at least 1 hour before food.

How much time does it take for Esokem-D capsule to act?

It takes approximately 1 hour after taking a dose for Esokem-D capsule to act.

Can we take Esokem-D capsule along with Itraconazole?

You should avoid taking Esokem-D capsule with Itraconazole as it reduces the absorption of Itraconazole, reducing its effect. You should consult your doctor before taking Itraconazole when on treatment with this medicine.

What should I do to avoid frequent episodes of acidity?

• Avoid spicy and oily food.
• Reduce smoking and alcohol intake as these are known to worsen reflux.
• Avoid carbonated drinks like cold drinks and soda as the carbon dioxide gas in these is known to worsen acid reflux.
• Reduce chocolate and mint intake.
• Some medicines are known to increase acidity and worsen the condition such as pain killers like Ibuprofen. You should avoid using these for a long duration.

Can I take Esokem D capsule for gas?

No, the Esokem-D Capsule does not help reduce gas, bloat and flatulence.