Nexium (Esomeprazole)

Drug Uses

Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Nexium is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other medications to prevent stomach ulcers. Nexium is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

How Taken

Nexium comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day at least one hour before a meal. To help you remember to take Nexium, take it around the same time every day. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one Nexium capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take Nexium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. Nexium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Nexium without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Nexium passes into breast milk. Do not take Nexium without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more apt to occur if you have a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Pseudo membranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clarithromycin and amoxicillin, and may range in severity from mild to life threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Nexium side effects that may go away during treatment include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to Nexium is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Nexium include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F). Keep container tightly closed. Dispense in a tight container if the product package is subdivided.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of Nexium overdose include drowsiness, shortness of breath, tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures.

More Information

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Nexium. Notify your pharmacist or doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.