This article describes possible interactions with esomeprazole DR oral capsule. (With delayed release, the drug is released once it passes through your stomach.) Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Esomeprazole comes as a capsule that you’ll swallow. It’s also available as an oral tablet, oral liquid solution, and an injection.
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Other drugs and esomeprazole
The drugs in the list below may interact with esomeprazole DR oral capsule. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with esomeprazole.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with esomeprazole DR oral capsule include:
- barbiturates:
- drug example: butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine
- what might happen: can make esomeprazole less effective
- antifungals:
- drug examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- what might happen: can make the antifungal less effective
- certain antiretrovirals:
- drug examples: atazanavir (Reyataz), rilpivirine (Edurant)*
- what might happen: can make the antiretroviral less effective and lead to treatment failure
- small molecule inhibitors:
- certain high blood pressure medications, such as diuretics:†
- drug examples: furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Soaanz), hydrochlorothiazide
- what might happen: increase the risk of side effects of esomeprazole and diuretics
- clopidogrel (Plavix):
- what might happen: can make clopidogrel less effective
- digoxin (Lanoxin):
- what can happen: can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin
- mavacamten (Camzyos):*
- what might happen: can increase the risk of heart failure
- methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, Xatmep):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of toxic levels of methotrexate
- rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin):
- what might happen: can make esomeprazole less effective
- warfarin:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding
* For more details about this interaction, see the “When to avoid esomeprazole” section below.
† To learn more about this interaction, see the “Questions about esomeprazole and interactions” section below.
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Get free cardWhen to avoid esomeprazole
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with esomeprazole DR oral capsule. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe esomeprazole in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for esomeprazole DR oral capsule:
- Mavacamten: If you take mavacamten (Camzyos), taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule can increase the risk of heart failure.
- Rilpivirine: If you take rilpivirine (Edurant) or rilpivirine-containing combination drugs, taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule can make them less effective. This can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug resistance.
- Past allergic reaction to esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole DR oral capsule or other PPIs, taking it again may cause a life threatening allergic reaction.
Before you start taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take esomeprazole.
Questions about esomeprazole and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about esomeprazole and possible interactions.
Does esomeprazole have interactions with blood pressure medications?
Yes, it’s possible for esomeprazole DR oral capsule to interact with certain blood pressure medications. Specifically, it can interact with diuretics. This can lead to low magnesium levels.
This interaction is considered moderate. This means you can use the two drugs together, but your doctor may need to make dosage adjustments.
If you take a diuretic, tell your doctor before taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule. You can learn more about this interaction by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take mebeverine and esomeprazole together?
It’s not known whether you can take mebeverine and esomeprazole together. Mebeverine isn’t available in the United States. For more information about mebeverine and esomeprazole interactions, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.
Alcohol and esomeprazole
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol. But drinking alcohol can increase the amount of acid your stomach makes. This can worsen the symptoms of your condition.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Other interactions and esomeprazole
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether esomeprazole DR oral capsule has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with esomeprazole.
Esomeprazole and supplements
Before taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Esomeprazole interactions and herbs
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is most commonly used for depression.
Taking esomeprazole and St. John’s Wort can make esomeprazole less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using St. John’s wort or any herbal products while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Esomeprazole interactions and vitamins
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule may interact with iron. This mineral is often used to treat and help prevent anemia (low red blood cells).
Taking esomeprazole and iron can make iron less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using iron or any other vitamin products while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Esomeprazole and food
It’s important that you take esomeprazole on an empty stomach. This means taking it at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. If you take esomeprazole with food, an interaction could occur that lowers the level of the drug in your body. This may make esomeprazole less effective for your condition.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about when you should eat food during your treatment with esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Esomeprazole and vaccines
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Esomeprazole and lab tests
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule may interact with secretin stimulation test. This test is used to check how well the pancreas responds to a hormone called secretin. Esomeprazole may also interact with a test that checks for neuroendocrine tumors. Taking esomeprazole and having these tests may lead to a false result.
Esomeprazole DR capsule may also interact with a urine test used to check for tetrahydrocannabinol. Taking esomeprazole and having this test may lead to a false-positive result.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Esomeprazole and cannabis or CBD
Esomeprazole DR oral capsule isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with esomeprazole.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and esomeprazole
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with esomeprazole DR oral capsule. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether esomeprazole is right for you.
The health conditions and factors below might interact with esomeprazole DR oral capsule:
- hypoparathyroidism
- liver problems
- low calcium levels
- low magnesium levels
- low potassium levels
- low vitamin B12 levels
- osteoporosis
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to esomeprazole
Preventing esomeprazole interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with esomeprazole DR oral capsule. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking esomeprazole DR oral capsule.
Taking esomeprazole exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about esomeprazole and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Do other drugs that could treat my condition have similar interactions?
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dosage of esomeprazole?
- Should I tell you if I start taking another medication or supplement during my esomeprazole treatment?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.