Description

Description

Eskem (20mg) is an acid-reducing capsule containing Esomeprazole as its active ingredient, manufactured by High-Q Pharmaceuticals. It belongs to a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are widely used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Esomeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which helps relieve heartburn, allows the esophagus to heal, and can help prevent stomach ulcers. This medicine is often used both for short-term symptom relief and for longer courses aimed at healing and preventing damage to the esophagus. The pack contains 14 capsules, generally supporting a couple of weeks of once-daily treatment as directed by a doctor.

Ingredients

Each Eskem (20mg) capsule contains Esomeprazole at a strength of 20mg, formulated as enteric-coated granules within the capsule, along with standard pharmaceutical excipients that support the delayed-release mechanism. The acid-suppressing effect comes entirely from the esomeprazole content.

Dosage Form

This medicine is supplied as an oral capsule containing enteric-coated, acid-labile granules, meant to be swallowed whole with water. It should not be chewed or crushed, since doing so can disrupt the coating designed to protect the medicine from stomach acid before it’s absorbed.

Uses

Eskem (20mg) is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), helping to allow the esophagus to heal and preventing further damage from stomach acid. It’s also used to decrease the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers, and to treat and help prevent the recurrence of ulcers caused by H. pylori infection, often as part of a combination regimen with antibiotics. Additionally, this medicine is used to treat frequent heartburn and conditions involving excessive stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. By blocking the proton pump responsible for acid secretion in the stomach lining, esomeprazole significantly reduces overall stomach acid levels.

How to Use

Eskem is generally taken once daily, preferably in the morning before breakfast or about an hour before a meal, as directed by a doctor. The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be split, chewed, or crushed. For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsule can be opened and its contents sprinkled onto a small amount of applesauce, then swallowed immediately without chewing the pellets — this mixture should not be prepared in advance or saved for later use. It’s important to take this medicine regularly and to complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve early, particularly when used alongside antibiotics for H. pylori treatment.

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and dry mouth. Less commonly, skin reactions or general stomach upset can occur. With long-term use — generally longer than three years — this medicine may lead to malabsorption or deficiency of vitamin B12, and long-term use has also been associated with low magnesium levels and an increased risk of bone fractures in some patients. More serious but rarer effects can include severe allergic reactions or difficulty breathing, and any of these should be treated as a medical concern requiring prompt attention.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The use of Esomeprazole during pregnancy and breastfeeding should only be considered if a doctor determines the potential benefit outweighs any possible risk, since safety data in these situations may be limited. Anyone who is pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss their treatment options with their doctor rather than continuing or starting this medicine independently.

Storage Instructions

Store Eskem capsules at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the capsules in their original packaging until needed, and store them safely out of reach of children. Any expired or unused capsules should be disposed of properly rather than through household waste.

FAQs

Why shouldn’t I chew or crush this capsule?
The capsule contains enteric-coated granules designed to protect the medicine from stomach acid until it reaches the right part of the digestive tract, and chewing or crushing it can interfere with this protective coating.

Can this medicine be taken long-term?
It can be used for longer courses under a doctor’s guidance, but long-term use (generally beyond three years) has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium, and an increased risk of bone fractures, so periodic monitoring may be advisable.

Is Eskem used to treat H. pylori infection on its own?
No, it’s typically used alongside antibiotics as part of a combination regimen to treat and help prevent the return of H. pylori-related ulcers.

What should I do if I have trouble swallowing the capsule whole?
The capsule contents can be sprinkled onto a small amount of applesauce and swallowed immediately without chewing, but this preparation should not be made in advance or saved for later use.

Disclaimer

Always use this medicine strictly according to your doctor’s instructions and prescribed dosage.