Emozul

What is Emozul?

Emozul is a branded version of esomeprazole, which is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It belongs to a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and its main job is to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Emozul helps relieve symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and inflammation caused by acid travelling from the stomach into the gullet (you might feel it as a burning sensation in your throat and back of the mouth).

In combination with other medications, it can also treat stomach ulcers, which can be caused by a bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’ or by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) medicines – think ibuprofen or aspirin. It’s also used as a long-term treatment for stomach acid caused by pancreas growth (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It’s also regularly used to protect the lining of the stomach if you take medication that may damage or irritate the stomach lining.

It’s a capsule you take every day. Depending on what condition they’re treating and whether your gullet has been damaged or not, your clinician may prescribe 20mg or 40mg daily. If you’ve been prescribed the 40mg dose, once your condition and gullet health has improved, your prescriber may lower your dose to 20mg a day.

How does Emozul work?

The active ingredient in Emozul is esomeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acids like GORD and stomach ulcers. GORD is a condition where you have recurring acid reflux, and it can damage your oesophagus whilst also causing symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Your stomach naturally produces acid to help break down and digest food, and also to kill germs and bacteria. To counter the acid, your body produces a natural mucous barrier to protect your stomach lining. But this barrier can become ineffective — causing gastric irritation and inflammation. Some people may also have an issue with the muscular band at the top of their stomach that keeps it tightly closed. This means acid can escape and irritate the oesophagus, causing heartburn and acid reflux.^[1]

Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the proton pump, an enzyme in the stomach lining that creates acid. By lowering the activity of the proton pump, the amount of acid created in your stomach is reduced, which prevents ulcers from forming. This heals the stomach lining and, overall, reduces symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. ^[1][2]

How to take Emozul

There are several ways to take Emozul (depending on what gastric condition you have or how severe your GORD is). Here we’ll outline how to take Emozul for GORD. If you have another condition and have been prescribed Emozul, follow the instructions from your clinician on how to take it.

For heartburn caused by GORD and damaged gullet:

• the recommended dose is 40 mg once a day for four weeks, , which can be continued for another four weeks if you still have symptoms
• once the gullet is healed, the dose is 20 mg once a day

For GORD where the gullet is not damaged:

• the recommended dose is 20 mg, once a day
• once the condition is under control, your clinician may tell you to take it only when you need it

To take it:

• you can take Emozul at any time of the day, on an empty stomach or with food
• swallow whole with water
• don’t crush or chew the capsules they are coated to stop them from being broken down by the acid in your stomach ^[3]

If you have trouble swallowing capsules:

• open the capsule and empty the pellets into half a glass of water
• stir the mixture properly
• drink the mixture straight away, or within 30 minutes
• to make sure you’ve taken all the medicine, add half a glass of water again and drink the rest

H3: How long does it take for Emozul to work?

Emozul can start to work within two to three days, but it can take at least four weeks for your condition to improve fully. ^[1]

Some clinical studies found that the effects of oral esomeprazole can be seen within one hour, and the mean peak acid output on day 5 after six to seven hours had decreased by 90%. After four weeks of 40 mg esomeprazole, 78% of patients were healed of reflux esophagitis, which increased to 93% after eight weeks. ^[2]

What happens if I make a mistake taking Emozul?

If you forget to take Emozul, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and carry on as normal. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you take more than you should, seek medical attention urgently.