PETRA
PETRA (Esomeprazole) are 40mg in a pack of 2 × 7 capsules. These capsules are an enteric-coated pellet formulation of esomeprazole magnesium due to its acid-labile nature. Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, which inhibits gastric acid secretion more effectively than omeprazole.
Package Contains: Each PETRA package contains 14 capsules of 40mg & a leaflet. It is also available in 20mg.
Composition: 
Each delayed-release capsule contains:
Esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate enteric-coated pellets eq. to
Esomeprazole (U.S.P.)40mg.
Product Specs.: U.S.P.
Dosage: As directed by the physician.
For details see enclosed leaflet.
To be sold on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner only.
Indications / Uses: PETRA capsules are indicated for:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Treatment of erosive esophagitis
• Long term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse
• Symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) without esophagitis.
2. As a triple therapy (Esomeprazole plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin) for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
• Healing of duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcers.
3. Management of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Dosage & Administration: The recommended adult dosages are outlined in the table below.
Petra capsules should be swallowed whole and taken at least one hour before meals.
Recommended Adult Dosage Schedule:
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
| I. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | ||
| Healing of Erosive Esophagitis | 40 mg | Once Daily for 4 to 8 Weeks |
| Risk Reduction of NSAID – Associated Gastric Ulcer | 40mg | Once Daily for up to 6 months |
| II. H. pylori Eradication to Reduce the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence Triple Therapy: | ||
| Esomeprazole | 40 mg | Once Daily for 10 Days |
| III. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome | 40 mg | Twice Daily |
Contraindications: It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to drug or any component of the formulation or to substituted benzimidazoles.
Side Effects: Esomeprazole, like other PPIs, is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash and dizziness. Nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps and water retention occur infrequently.
Drugs interactions:
- In common with the use of other inhibitors of acid secretion or antacids, the absorption of ketoconazole and itraconazole can decrease during treatment with esomeprazole due to decreased intragastric acidity during treatment with esomeprazole.
- Esomeprazole inhibits CYP2C19 thus, when esomeprazole is combined with drugs metabolized by CYP2C19, such as diazepam, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine, phenytoin etc., the plasma concentrations of these drugs may be increased and a dose reduction could be needed.
Instruction:
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store below 30°C.
- Protect from light, heat and moisture.
Manufacturer & Buy Online:
PETRA capsules are manufactured by: Neutro Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd.
This is the link to the manufacturer: https://neutropharma
It is not available online but you can purchase it from any nearby pharmacy. It is currently (2026) available at the retail price of around 125 rupees.
By: Gul.