Esomeprazole+levosulpiride
About Esomeprazole+levosulpiride
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is an oral medication used to manage conditions related to excess stomach acid and slow digestive movement. It is primarily prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn, and indigestion. This medication helps by controlling acid production and improving the movement of food through the digestive tract.
For the best results, it is important to take Esomeprazole+levosulpiride consistently at the same time every day, usually first thing in the morning. You should take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty foods, can significantly improve how well this treatment works.
While taking this medicine, some patients may experience mild side effects like headache, diarrhoea, or a dry mouth. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice muscle stiffness, breast swelling, or an irregular heartbeat. Early consultation with your physician can prevent these symptoms from becoming severe.
Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor if you have a history of osteoporosis (bone thinning), low magnesium levels, kidney disease, or liver problems. Certain conditions such as epilepsy, manic episodes, prolactin-dependent tumours, or bleeding, blockage, or perforation in the stomach or intestines are primarily related to the Levosulpiride component and may make this medicine unsuitable for some patients. Sharing your complete medical history helps your doctor determine whether this medicine is safe for you.
This medicine can interact with alcohol, smoking, and other medications like blood thinners or antifungals, which can decrease its effectiveness or increase side effects. Consult your doctor if you belong to special groups such as pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals, as your treatment may require careful monitoring.
Uses of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride
Medicinal Benefits
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride helps relieve symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion by reducing excess stomach acid and improving the movement of food through the digestive tract. It supports better digestion and helps protect the food pipe from irritation caused by stomach acid.
Benefits may include:
- Relief from heartburn and burning sensations in the chest and throat.
- Reduced acid reflux and regurgitation of stomach contents.
- Improved digestion and faster movement of food from the stomach to the intestines.
- Reduction in bloating, fullness, and stomach discomfort.
- Better comfort while eating and sleeping.
- Helps protect the food pipe from damage caused by long-term acid exposure.
Directions for Use
- Take Esomeprazole+levosulpiride exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
- It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before your first meal of the day.
- Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how long you should continue taking this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache
- Nausea or mild diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness or mild sleepiness
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or muscle stiffness
- Unusual swelling, tenderness, or milk-like discharge from the breasts (hyperprolactinaemia)
- Changes in menstrual cycles, reduced sexual desire, or sexual dysfunction
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Severe, watery diarrhoea accompanied by fever
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Drug Warnings
- Inspect the packaging before use: Do not take this medicine if the blister pack or bottle is broken, damaged, or shows signs of tampering.
- Use caution during activities requiring alertness: This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid prolonged self-medication: If your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment, consult your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
- Monitor your bone health during long-term treatment: Prolonged use of acid-reducing medicines may increase the risk of bone fractures. Discuss appropriate monitoring and preventive measures with your doctor if long-term treatment is required.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Antifungal medicines (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): Taking these medicines along with Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of certain antifungal treatments.
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Combining Esomeprazole+levosulpiride with blood-thinning medicines may increase the risk of bleeding and require closer monitoring.
- Prokinetic and anti-nausea medicines (e.g., metoclopramide): Taking these medicines together with the Levosulpiride component may increase the risk of involuntary movements, tremors, muscle stiffness, or other movement-related side effects because both medicines can affect dopamine activity in the brain.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants may increase the risk of drowsiness or other nervous system-related side effects when taken with Esomeprazole+levosulpiride.
- Medicines for Parkinson's disease (e.g., levodopa, pramipexole): The Levosulpiride component may reduce the effectiveness of these medicines because it can oppose their dopamine-related actions. Patients with Parkinson's disease should inform their doctor before using this medicine.
Drug-Food Interactions
- High-fat meals: Taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride with a high-fat meal may reduce the absorption of its active ingredients, making the medicine less effective.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders: Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may increase the risk of seizures or worsen existing seizure conditions in susceptible individuals.
- Osteoporosis and other bone disorders: Long-term use of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may affect bone health and could increase the risk of fractures in people with weakened bones.
- Kidney disease: Patients with significant kidney impairment should use Esomeprazole+levosulpiride cautiously, as the medicine may accumulate in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
- Liver disease: Esomeprazole+levosulpiride should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe liver damage, as reduced liver function may affect how the medicine is processed.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
unsafeEsomeprazole+levosulpiride should not be taken if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorEsomeprazole+levosulpiride may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionEsomeprazole+levosulpiride may cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
unsafeEsomeprazole+levosulpiride should not be used in patients with hepatic impairment. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeEsomeprazole+levosulpiride should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals to reduce pressure on your stomach and help prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid lying down after meals: Do not lie down for at least two to three hours after eating, as this can allow stomach acid to travel back into the oesophagus.
- Limit trigger foods: Identify and avoid foods that worsen your symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, chocolate, and mint.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 9 inches using blocks or a wedge pillow to help reduce nighttime heartburn and acid reflux.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Avoid tight clothing around your waist, as it can increase pressure on your abdomen and worsen reflux symptoms.
Special Advise
- Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may cause changes in blood tests for checking liver functioning. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride.
- Inform your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride if you are due to have a Chromogranin A test.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, acidity, heartburn and peptic ulcers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn and acidity. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth and difficulty swallowing.
FAQs
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus); this causes acidity, pain and heartburn.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Esomeprazole and Levosulpiride. Esomeprazole works by blocking the action of an enzyme called gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the production of acid. Levosulpiride works by increasing the stomach and intestinal movement and pressure of the inferior oesophageal (food pipe) sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid into the mouth. Together, Esomeprazole+levosulpiride helps in preventing acid reflux, thereby providing relief from acidity.
Diarrhoea might be a side effect of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Esomeprazole+levosulpiride with nelfinavir (a drug used to treat HIV infections). Consult your doctor before taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride with other medications to avoid potential side effects.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride contains esomeprazole, which might increase the risk of fracture in the wrist, hip or spine. This mainly occurs in people taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride for longer durations. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids; your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may cause changes in blood tests for checking liver functioning. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride works by relieving the symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, or irritation. It also neutralises the acid production in the stomach to prevent discomfort.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride contains Esomeprazole and Levosulpiride.
The usual recommendation is to take it one hour before the meal, preferably in the morning.
Yes, it can help to ease stomach pain.
Store Esomeprazole+levosulpiride according to the instructions on the leaflet, away from sunlight, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Dispose of unused medicine. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is contraindicated for use if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you are taking nelfinavir (anti-HIV), if you have a gastrointestinal haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or perforation, epilepsy, mania, porphyria, or cardiac impairment. It is also contraindicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride might increase the risk of wrist, hip or spine fracture. This mainly occurs in individuals taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride for extended periods.
Common side effects of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride may include headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Yes, Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is best taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. This helps the medicine absorb properly and work more effectively. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your schedule.
Yes, some patients may experience mild drowsiness or sleepiness while taking this medicine. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Talk to your doctor if this sleepiness persists.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride. Alcohol can increase stomach acid production, irritate your digestive tract, and worsen drowsiness. Talk to your doctor for personalized advice.
You should not stop taking Esomeprazole+levosulpiride abruptly without consulting your physician. Stopping your treatment early may cause your acid reflux or indigestion symptoms to return. Talk to your doctor to determine the right course of action.
Many people begin to notice relief from symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and bloating within a few days of starting treatment. However, healing of irritation or damage in the food pipe and stomach may take several weeks. In conditions such as erosive reflux disease, complete healing may require 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. Continue taking the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve earlier.
Esomeprazole+levosulpiride is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor decides it is absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
Prolonged use of acid-reducing medicines may decrease the absorption of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 and magnesium, and may slightly increase the risk of bone fractures. Talk to your doctor if you are prescribed this medication for an extended period.
Yes, dry mouth is a recognized mild side effect of Esomeprazole+levosulpiride. Sucking on sugarless lozenges or drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help manage this symptom. Talk to your doctor if the dryness becomes severe or uncomfortable.
