Nexium

Generic name: Esomeprazole magnesium

What is Nexium?

Nexium is used to treat several acid-related problems. Nexium may be prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux disease. Nexium is also used to treat erosive espophagitis, which is caused by acid rising up and eroding the lining of the esophagus over time.

Nexium may also be used to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in people on continuous therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids. Nexium may also be prescribed in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin in order to treat H. Pylori infection and ulcers. Nexium can also be used as a long-term treatment for certain conditions involving excessive bodily secretions, including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

What is the most important information I should know about Nexium?

Nexium capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.

Nexium may be prescribed to you in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin can occasionally cause severe side effects. If you are pregnant, do not use clarithromycin, except if no alternative therapy is appropriate. Clarithromycin and amoxicillin may both cause an inflammatory disease of the colon that can range from mild to life-threatening. If you are taking amoxicillin, it is important to know that serious and occasionally fatal reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. If you have a history of penicillin allergies, and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens, be sure to tell your doctor.

Take Nexium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

Who should not take Nexium?

Do not take Nexium if you are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients. You should not take Nexium if you have been allergic to other protein pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the past.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Nexium?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Nexium. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any drug allergies; a history of liver problems; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Erosive Esophagitis

Adults: The usual dose for healing erosive esophagitis is 20 milligrams (mg) or 40 mg taken 1 time each day for 4 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may recommend an additional 4-8 weeks of treatment if you do not heal after the initial 4-8 weeks of treatment. The usual dose for maintaining the healing of erosive esophagitis is 20 mg taken 1 time a day.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Adults: The usual dose for relief of GERD symptoms is 20 mg taken 1 time each day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may recommend an additional 4 weeks of treatment if you do not heal after the initial 4 weeks of treatment.

Risk Reduction of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence

Adults: This treatment involves taking three different medications. The usual dose for the triple therapy is: Nexium 40 mg taken 1 time each day for 10 days, Amoxicillin 1000 mg taken 2 times each day for 10 days, and Clarithromycin 500 mg taken 2 times each day for 10 days.

Risk Reduction of Gastric Ulcer

Adults: The usual dose is 20 mg or 40 mg taken 1 time each day for up to 6 months.

Treatment of Hypersecretory Conditions including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Adults: The usual dose is 40 mg taken 2 times each day. However, treatment of patients with these conditions varies with the individual patient. Doses up to 240 mg have been administered. Nexium can be used for long-term treatment in these patients.

Short-term treatment of GERD

Adolescents 12 to 17 years old: The usual dose is 20 or 40 mg of taken 1 time each day for up to 8 weeks.

Short-term Treatment of Symptomatic GERD

Pediatrics 1 to 11 years old: The usual dose is 10 mg taken 1 time each day for up to 8 weeks.

Healing of Erosive Esophagitis

Pediatrics 1 to 11 years old: If the child weighs less than 20 kilograms, the usual dose is 10 mg taken once daily for up to 8 weeks. If the child weighs 20 kilograms or more, the usual dose is 10 mg to 20 mg taken once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Adults: Daily doses over 1 mg per kilogram have not been studied.

How should I take Nexium?

Nexium Delayed-Release Capsules should be swallowed whole and taken at least 1 hour before eating. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to an empty bowl and the Nexium Delayed-Release Capsule can be opened, and the granules inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce. Mix the granules with the applesauce and then swallow the mixture immediately. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. Do not chew or crush the granules. Do not store the mixture of applesauce and granules for future use. Discard the empty capsule.

Nexium Delayed-Release Oral Suspension should be taken 1 hour before meals. To prepare the suspension, empty the contents of a 20 or 40 mg packet into a container with 1 tablespoon of water in it. Stir the suspension and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Stir the suspension again and drink it within 30 minutes. If any suspension remains in the container after you drink it, add more water, stir, and drink immediately.

If you have a nasogastric or gastric tube in place, talk to your doctor about how you should take Nexium Delayed-Release Capsules or Oral Suspension.

Antacids may be used while taking Nexium.

Take Nexium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

What should I avoid while taking Nexium?

Avoid taking Nexium with food. Take Nexium at least 1 hour before meals.

Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Nexium?

If Nexium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nexium with the following: atazanavir, digoxin, iron salts or products that contain iron, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Nexium?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, nausea

Can I receive Nexium if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Nexium during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking Nexium. It is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk or if it could harm your baby.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nexium?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

How should I store Nexium?

Store Nexium at room temperature in a tightly closed container.