Esomeprazole + Naproxen
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for esomeprazole and naproxen
Duodenal Ulcer, Arthritis, Juvenile ... show more
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Advisory
- This medicine contains a combination of 2 drugs esomeprazole and naproxen.
- Each of these drugs treats a different disease or symptom.
- Treating different diseases with different medicines allows doctors to adjust the dose of each medicine separately. This prevents overmedication or undermedication.
- Most doctors advise making sure that each individual medicine is safe and effective before using a combination form.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug and Proton Pump Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
esomeprazole + naproxen
Summary
Esomeprazole and Naproxen are used together to treat conditions like arthritis, which is a disease causing painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Esomeprazole helps prevent stomach ulcers, which are sores in the stomach lining, especially in patients taking NSAIDs like Naproxen. Naproxen is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, which are types of arthritis affecting different parts of the body.
Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the proton pump, which is a part of the stomach lining that produces acid, thereby reducing stomach acid and preventing ulcers. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the inflammatory process. Together, they provide a dual action: Esomeprazole protects the stomach lining from the potential ulcerogenic effects of Naproxen, while Naproxen provides relief from pain and inflammation.
For Esomeprazole, the usual adult dose is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, typically taken at least 1 hour before a meal. Naproxen is usually taken in doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. In combination, they are available as delayed-release tablets containing 375 mg or 500 mg of Naproxen with 20 mg of Esomeprazole, taken twice daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid and not split, chewed, or crushed.
Common side effects of Esomeprazole include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Naproxen may cause side effects such as constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. Significant adverse effects of the combination can include gastrointestinal bleeding, which is bleeding in the digestive tract, ulcers, and cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke, particularly with long-term use. Both medications can also lead to kidney issues and allergic reactions.
Esomeprazole and Naproxen should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity, which means an allergic reaction, to either drug or in those with a history of severe allergic reactions to NSAIDs. Naproxen is contraindicated in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcers. Both drugs should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, as they can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Long-term use of Esomeprazole can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and bone fractures.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen work?
Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach lining, reducing the production of stomach acid and providing relief from acid-related conditions. Naproxen, on the other hand, inhibits the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. Together, they offer a dual approach: esomeprazole protects the stomach lining from the potential irritative effects of naproxen, while naproxen provides effective pain relief. This combination is particularly useful for patients requiring long-term NSAID therapy.
How effective is combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen?
Clinical trials have demonstrated that esomeprazole effectively reduces stomach acid, heals erosive esophagitis, and manages GERD symptoms, with endoscopic evidence supporting its efficacy. Naproxen has been shown to effectively reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and acute gout, with numerous studies confirming its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. When used together, the combination is effective in providing pain relief while protecting the gastrointestinal tract, as evidenced by studies showing reduced incidence of NSAID-induced ulcers when esomeprazole is co-administered.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen?
For esomeprazole, the typical adult dose is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated. For naproxen, the usual adult dose ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily, with a maximum daily dose of 1,500 mg for short-term use. When used together, the dosing schedule may be adjusted to ensure both effective pain relief and protection of the stomach lining. It's important to follow the specific dosing instructions provided by a healthcare provider to balance the benefits and minimize potential side effects.
How does one take combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen?
Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before meals, preferably in the morning, to maximize its acid-reducing effects. Naproxen can be taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. When used together, it's important to follow these timing instructions to ensure optimal effectiveness and minimize side effects. Patients should avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, and should consult their healthcare provider about any specific dietary restrictions.
For how long is combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen taken?
Esomeprazole is typically used for 4 to 8 weeks for conditions like GERD, but can be used longer for maintenance therapy or specific conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Naproxen is often used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, with the duration depending on the condition being treated, such as acute gout or chronic arthritis. When combined, the duration of use is tailored to the individual's needs, balancing effective pain management with gastrointestinal protection. Long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider to minimize risks.
How long does it take for combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen to work?
Esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, typically takes 1 to 4 days to show its full effect in reducing stomach acid, although some relief may be felt sooner. Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), generally begins to relieve pain and inflammation within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. When combined, the onset of pain relief from naproxen is relatively quick, while esomeprazole works over a few days to protect the stomach lining from the potential irritative effects of naproxen. Together, they provide both immediate pain relief and longer-term gastrointestinal protection.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen?
Common side effects of esomeprazole include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Naproxen may cause side effects such as stomach pain, heartburn, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Significant adverse effects for both include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly with long-term use. When combined, monitoring for gastrointestinal issues is crucial, as naproxen can irritate the stomach lining, and esomeprazole is used to mitigate this risk. Patients should report any severe or persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Can I take combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen with other prescription drugs?
Esomeprazole can interact with drugs like clopidogrel, reducing its effectiveness, and may also affect the absorption of drugs that require an acidic environment. Naproxen can interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk, and may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. When used together, it's important to monitor for interactions with other medications that affect the stomach lining or blood clotting. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications while using esomeprazole and naproxen.
Can I take combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen if I am pregnant?
Esomeprazole is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but should be used only if clearly needed, as there is limited data on its effects. Naproxen, however, is not recommended during the third trimester due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and potential renal issues in the fetus. Both medications should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks, and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Pregnant women should discuss all medications with their doctor to ensure safety.
Can I take combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen while breastfeeding?
Esomeprazole is present in breast milk, but its effects on a nursing infant are not well-studied, so caution is advised. Naproxen is also excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant, such as bleeding or gastrointestinal issues. Both medications should be used during breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. Nursing mothers should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits before using these medications.
Who should avoid taking combination of Esomeprazole and Naproxen?
Esomeprazole should be used cautiously in patients with severe liver impairment, and long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Naproxen carries a risk of cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in those with a history of ulcers or heart disease. Both medications should be used with caution in the elderly and those with kidney issues. Patients should avoid using other NSAIDs concurrently and should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and conditions to avoid contraindications and ensure safe use.
