S-OME is indicated for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Healing of erosive esophagitis, Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, Symptomatic GERD, Risk reduction of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer and H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
Adult Dose
                           Indication         Dose              Frequency
Healing of erosive esophagitis   20 mg or 40 mg Once daily for 4 to 8 weeks 
Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis 20 mg  Once daily  
Symptomatic GERD   20 mg Once daily for 4 weeks
Risk reduction of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer 20 mg or 40 mg Once daily for  6 months
H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence 
Triple Therapy: 
S-OME 40 mg   Once daily for 10 Days 
Amoxycillin   1000 mg   Twice daily for 10 Days 
Clarithromycin   500 mg   Twice daily for 10 Days 
Paediatric Dose
                       Indication        Dose               Frequency 
1-11 years old 
Short-term treatment of symptomatic GERD 10 mg   Once daily for 8 weeks 
Healing of erosive esophagitis     
weight <20 kg   10 mg   Once daily for 8 weeks 
weight >20 kg   10 mg or 20 mg   Once daily for 8 weeks 
12-17 years old 
Short-term treatment of GERD   20 mg or 40 mg   Once daily for 8 weeks 
The majority of patients are healed within 4 - 8 weeks. For patients who do not heal after 4-8 weeks, an additional 4-8 weeks treatment may be considered. If symptoms do not resolve completely after 4 weeks, an additional 4 weeks of treatment may be considered.

There is some uncertainty over the effect of Esomeprazole on the oral combined contraceptive pill. Further assessment is currently underway. Physiological changes similar to those found with Omeprazole are likely to take place because of the reduction in gastric acid, which is likely to influence the bacterial colonization of the stomach and duodenum and also vitamin B12 absorption.

Esomeprazole is contraindicated in those patients who have known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation.

Most common side effects are headache, diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth etc.

Teratology studies have been performed in animals and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Esomeprazole. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because Esomeprazole is likely to be excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Exclude the possibility of malignancy when gastric ulcer is suspected and before treatment for dyspepsia. When using in combination with antibiotic, refer to the prescribing information of the respective antibiotics.