This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dosage and how to take esomeprazole
Dosage and strength
Tablets or capsules contain 20mg or 40mg of esomeprazole.
One sachet of granules contains 10mg of esomeprazole.
The usual dose to treat:
- heartburn and acid reflux is 20mg a day
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is 20mg to 40mg a day
- stomach ulcers is 20mg a day
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is 80mg a day – this can increase to 160mg a day depending on how well it works for you
Changes to your dose
Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose if it’s not working well enough.
If you start on a higher dose, your doctor may recommend lowering it after the first 1 to 2 months.
Doses are usually lower for children and people with liver problems.
How to take it
You'll usually take esomeprazole once a day, first thing in the morning. You can take it with or without food.
If you take esomeprazole twice a day, take 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening.
How to take tablets and capsules
Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a drink of still (non-fizzy) water. Do not take it with other liquids. Do not chew or crush the tablets or capsules.
If you have problems swallowing esomeprazole capsules, you can open them up and empty the medicine into a glass. Mix with some water and drink straight away.
If you have problems swallowing tablets, you can add them to a glass of still water. Stir with a spoon until the tablet has broken up and the water is not clear. Drink straight away. Half fill the glass with still water again, and drink. This makes sure you get all the medicine. Do not chew or crush the bits of the tablet that are in the water.
How to take granules
If your child is under 12, their doctor may prescribe esomeprazole granules which come in sachets. Empty the granules into a glass and mix with some water, leave for a few minutes until the liquid has thickened, then encourage them to drink it straight away. The granules should not be chewed or crushed.
If you get esomeprazole on prescription, or buy it from a pharmacy or shop, follow your doctor’s advice, or the information in the pack.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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