Pros & Cons Of Esomeprazole Magnesium

Esomeprazole magnesium is a strong, effective medication used to stop the release of the stomach acid, which can occur from several medical disorders. It should be taken at least 60 minutes before eating at the same time every day. Although it is considered a safe medication, there are some negative side effects.

Esomeprazole Magnesium

Esomeprazole magnesium is a proton pump inhibitor. The parietal cells within the stomach wall have proteins in their membranes called proton pumps. The proton pumps move protons, or hydrogen ions, across the membrane. Hydrogen ions are acidic. Esomeprazole magnesium inhibits the proton pumps from moving hydrogen ions across the membrane and into the stomach, making the stomach less acidic, as explained in "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology" by Dr. Kenneth McQuaid, director at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Advantages

This medication is considered to be very safe. It has caused tumors in rats when given in large doses, but as of 2011 has not caused tumors in people. It is successfully used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, where the stomach contents reflux back into the esophagus. It is also part of the treatment for ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and used to prevent ulcers in those who have had them in the past and who are at least 60 years of age, according to "The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals."

More Advantages

Esomeprazole is also beneficial because it helps manage the symptoms of esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. It treats the acid of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; in this condition, there is a tumor in the small intestines or pancreas. The tumor secretes a hormone that tells the parietal cells to release hydrogen ions. As a tumor, it does not abide by any regulations and as a consequence, the parietal cells release a lot of acid. According to McQuaid in "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology," esomeprazole stops 90 to 98 percent of the acid released in a 24-hour period.

Bacteria, Calcium, B12 and Esomeprazole

Since acid protects the stomach from bacterial infections, some who use esomeprazole magnesium see an increase in the number of bacteria in the stomach. According to McQuaid, hospitalized patients can be more at risk for developing an infection caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria. Stomach acid is necessary to absorb the calcium in food and to release vitamin B12 from food. If you use esomeprazole for a long period of time, you can be at risk for developing hip fractures and should, therefore, take calcium supplements and have your bone density monitored. You might also need vitamin B12 supplements.

Drug Interactions, Low Blood Magnesium and Esomeprazole

Your physician should always be aware of all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking because some can interact with others. Esomeprazole can interact with many medications, including clopidogrel and warfarin, both used to prevent blood clots; anti-anxiety benzodiazepines; and several anti-fungal medications. In addition, in March 2011 the Food and Drug Administration warned that using esomeprazole for more than one year can cause a low level of magnesium in the bloodstream, especially if taking other medications that can lower magnesium levels. A low blood magnesium level can lead to seizures, heart problems and tremors.