EZ-20 Capsule (Enteric Coated) 20 mg

EZ-20 Capsule (Enteric Coated), manufactured by Modern Pharmaceuticals Ltd, contains 20 mg of Esomeprazole – a proton pump inhibitor used to treat acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. Priced at ৳7.00 per unit (৳70.00 per strip), this enteric-coated capsule ensures targeted drug release and effective acid control.

Clinically effective for GERD, erosive esophagitis, and peptic ulcers, EZ-20 inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking H+/K+-ATPase enzymes. Its S-isomer structure offers superior bioavailability compared to racemic alternatives. The medication requires storage below 30°C, protected from moisture and light.

Dosage guidelines vary between 20-80 mg daily based on conditions:

• GERD: 20 mg for 4 weeks
• H. Pylori eradication: 40 mg with antibiotics
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Adjustable long-term dosing

Administer capsules 1 hour before meals for optimal absorption.

Common side effects include headache (6.7%), diarrhea (4.6%), and abdominal pain. Rare risks involve vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged use. Avoid concurrent use with ketoconazole or iron supplements due to pH-dependent absorption interference.

Pregnant women should use EZ-20 cautiously as human safety data remains limited. The 3A4/2C19 hepatic metabolism necessitates dose adjustments for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. Modern Pharmaceuticals’ quality-assured production ensures batch consistency in this cost-effective therapy.

Adults: 20-40 mg once daily before meals for 4-8 weeks (erosive esophagitis). H. pylori eradication: 40 mg with antibiotics for 10 days. Pediatric IV: 0.5-20 mg based on weight. Capsules must be swallowed whole 1 hour before food. Do not crush enteric-coated pellets.

The most frequently occurring adverse events reported with EZ-20 include headache, diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation and dry mouth. There are no difference in types of related adverse events seen during maintenance treatment upto 12 months compared to short term treatment.

Pregnancy Category C. Avoid unless potential benefit justifies risk. Discontinue breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in human milk.

Rule out malignancy for persistent GI symptoms. Monitor magnesium/Vitamin B12 in long-term therapy. For swallowing difficulty, mix pellets with applesauce without chewing. Hepatic impairment requires dose adjustment.

Pediatric safety unestablished. No dose adjustment needed in elderly/renal impairment. Severe hepatic impairment: max 20 mg/day. Dialysis ineffective for overdose.

A single oral dose of EZ-20 at 510 mg/kg (about 103 times the human dose on a body surface area basis), has been lethal to rats. The major signs of acute toxicity are reduced motor activity, changes in respiratory frequency, tremor, ataxia, and intermittent clonic convulsions. There have been no reports of overdose with EZ-20. No specific antidote for EZ-20 is known. Since EZ-20 is extensively protein bound, it is not expected to be removed by dialysis. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. As with the management of any overdose, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered.