Stomach acid problems are far more common than most people realise. If you’ve ever had that burning feeling in your chest after eating, a sour taste in your mouth at night, or ongoing stomach pain that just won’t settle, you’ll understand how uncomfortable — and worrying — it can be.
Many parents, working adults, and even teenagers in South Africa deal with these symptoms every day. Stress, irregular meals, spicy food, late-night eating, pain medicines, and busy lifestyles all play a role.
That’s where TRUSTAN tablets often come in.
What Is TRUSTAN?
TRUSTAN is a prescription medicine used to reduce excess stomach acid. Its active ingredient is esomeprazole, which belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
You don’t need to remember that name — what matters is what it does.
👉 TRUSTAN helps calm the stomach by lowering acid levels, giving irritated areas time to heal.
Doctors in South Africa prescribe TRUSTAN for conditions such as:
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagus)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Protection of the stomach when pain medicines are needed long-term
- Treatment plans to clear Helicobacter pylori infection
- Rare conditions where the stomach produces too much acid
Why Too Much Stomach Acid Is a Problem
Your stomach naturally produces acid — this is normal and necessary to digest food. Problems start when:
- The stomach makes too much acid, or
- Acid flows back into the food pipe
When this happens regularly, it can cause:
- Burning chest pain (heartburn)
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Ongoing stomach discomfort
- Damage to the lining of the stomach or oesophagus
- Ulcers
If left untreated, long-term acid damage can lead to complications. That’s why doctors often recommend medicines like TRUSTAN when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
How TRUSTAN Works
Inside your stomach are tiny structures often called acid pumps. These pumps release acid to help break down food.
In some people, these pumps work overtime.
TRUSTAN works by:
- Blocking the final step that turns these pumps on
- Reducing how much acid is released
- Keeping acid levels low for most of the day
With less acid:
- Irritated tissue can heal
- Ulcers have time to close
- Heartburn and pain usually improve
Many people start to feel relief within a few days, but full healing often takes weeks, which is why it’s important to finish the course your doctor prescribes.
What TRUSTAN Is Used For
1. Acid Reflux and GORD
GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) happens when acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe.
TRUSTAN helps by:
- Healing inflammation in the oesophagus
- Reducing burning pain and discomfort
- Preventing symptoms from coming back once healing has occurred
Some people need TRUSTAN only for a short period, while others may need maintenance treatment.
2. Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Ulcers are open sores in the stomach or upper intestine.
They can be caused by:
- H. pylori infection
- Long-term use of pain medicines like ibuprofen or diclofenac
- Excess stomach acid
TRUSTAN helps ulcers heal and reduces the chance of them coming back.
3. Protection When Using Pain Medicines (NSAIDs)
Many South Africans rely on pain medicines for arthritis, injuries, or chronic pain. These medicines can irritate the stomach lining.
Doctors may prescribe TRUSTAN:
- To protect the stomach
- To lower the risk of ulcers and bleeding
This is especially important for older adults or people with previous stomach problems.
4. Helicobacter pylori Infection
H. pylori is a bacteria that damages the stomach lining and causes ulcers.
TRUSTAN is used together with antibiotics to:
- Clear the infection
- Allow the stomach lining to heal
- Prevent ulcers from returning
5. Rare High-Acid Conditions
In rare cases, conditions like Zollinger–Ellison syndrome cause extreme acid production.
TRUSTAN helps control acid levels and prevent serious complications in these patients.
Who Should Not Take TRUSTAN
TRUSTAN is safe for many people, but it’s not for everyone.
You should not take TRUSTAN if:
- You are allergic to esomeprazole or similar acid-reducing medicines
- You are taking certain HIV medicines, such as atazanavir or nelfinavir
Speak to Your Doctor Before Taking TRUSTAN If:
- You are losing weight without trying
- You vomit blood or have black stools
- You have severe liver or kidney disease
- You have long-lasting diarrhoea
- You have osteoporosis or weak bones
- You take steroid medicines long term
- You develop rashes after sun exposure
- You experience joint pain along with skin changes
These symptoms don’t always mean something serious, but they must be checked before starting acid-suppressing treatment.
TRUSTAN and Children
- ❌ Not recommended for children under 12 years
- ✅ Can be prescribed for adolescents aged 12–18 for GORD, under medical supervision
Never give TRUSTAN to a child unless a doctor specifically prescribes it.
Important Warnings for Long-Term Use
Kidneys
Very rarely, TRUSTAN can cause kidney inflammation. Seek medical help if you notice:
- Swelling of the legs or face
- Dark or reduced urine
- Extreme tiredness or confusion
Bones
Using PPIs for more than a year may slightly increase the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Doctors may advise:
- Calcium and vitamin D intake
- Regular check-ups if long-term treatment is needed
Vitamins and Minerals
Long-term use can reduce absorption of:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B12
Low levels may cause fatigue, cramps, dizziness, or confusion. Blood tests may be done if treatment continues for months.
Gut Infections
Persistent severe diarrhoea should never be ignored. It could be a sign of a serious bowel infection.
Driving and Daily Activities
Some people feel dizzy or get blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how TRUSTAN affects you.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are:
- Pregnant
- Planning a pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
👉 Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using TRUSTAN.
Medicines That Can Interact With TRUSTAN
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, including herbal or traditional remedies.
Important interactions include:
- HIV medicines (atazanavir, nelfinavir)
- Blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel)
- Certain antifungal medicines
- Epilepsy and heart medicines
- Methotrexate (especially high doses)
- Rifampicin
- St John’s Wort
TRUSTAN can be taken with or without food.
How to Take TRUSTAN Correctly
- Take it exactly as prescribed
- Swallow tablets whole with water
- Do not crush or chew
If You Struggle to Swallow Tablets
You can:
- Place the tablet in half a glass of plain water
- Stir until it breaks up
- Swallow the tiny pellets without chewing
- Drink immediately and rinse the glass
Try to take it at the same time every day.
Table-Based Dosing Guide
| Condition | Typical Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GORD with oesophagitis | 40 mg | Once daily | 4–8 weeks |
| GORD maintenance | 20 mg | Once daily | Long-term |
| GORD symptoms only | 20 mg | Once daily | Review after 4 weeks |
| NSAID ulcer prevention | 20–40 mg | Once daily | For at-risk patients |
| H. pylori treatment | 20 mg + antibiotics | Twice daily | 7 days |
| Zollinger–Ellison | 40 mg | Twice daily | Adjusted by doctor |
Missed Dose or Overdose
Missed dose:
Take it when you remember. Skip if close to the next dose. Do not double up.
Overdose:
Seek urgent medical care or go to the nearest hospital.
Possible Side Effects Trustan
Seek Urgent Help If You Have:
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe skin blistering
- Yellow skin or eyes
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Skin rashes or itching
- Muscle or joint pain
- Mood changes
Most side effects are mild and improve on their own.
Storage and Disposal
- Store below 30°C
- Keep out of reach of children
- Keep in original packaging
- Do not use after expiry date
- Return unused medicine to a pharmacy
- Do not flush down the toilet
What TRUSTAN Contains
- Active ingredient: Esomeprazole 20 mg or 40 mg
- Contains small amounts of sugar (sucrose)
- Includes standard tablet ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take TRUSTAN with food?
Yes.
How quickly does it work?
Symptoms often improve in a few days, but healing takes weeks.
Can I stop once I feel better?
Only if your doctor tells you to.
Is TRUSTAN safe long-term?
Yes, when monitored by a healthcare professional.
Manish Sharma is a Master’s graduate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a registered pharmacist with a passion for simplifying medical knowledge for everyday readers. Through his platform, he provides clear, easy-to-understand information about medicines — including their correct usage, benefits, and safety tips — while also addressing common myths surrounding them.
Alongside modern medicine, Manish also explores natural and herbal remedies, encouraging a balanced and healthy lifestyle. His mission is to empower people with reliable health information, helping them make informed decisions and live healthier, happier lives.
