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Nexium

Nexium

(esomeprazole)

Nexium (Esomeprazole) belongs to the family of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In adults and children, it is used to treat conditions such as reflux esophagitis (tissue damage caused by stomach contents flowing back up the esophagus) and symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) (GERD) in people with reflux esophagitis.

Available form

Dosage

Enteric-Coated Tablet

20MG, 40MG

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Nexium information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of Nexium (Esomeprazole) to treat reflux esophagitis and symptoms of GERD is 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, treatment may be continued at a dose of 20 mg once daily.

To treat NERD or heartburn, the recommended dose is 20 mg taken once daily for 2 to 4 weeks. After this, Nexium (Esomeprazole) may be taken at a dose of 20 mg once daily as needed to control symptoms.

To treat stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use, the dose is 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. To prevent such ulcers, the dose is 20 mg once daily.

To treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori in adults, the dose of Nexium (Esomeprazole) is 20 mg twice daily taken with amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily - all for 7 days.

The initial dose to treat acid over-production with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, is 40 mg taken by mouth, twice a day. The dose that relieves the over-secretion of acid varies depending on the person.

For children 12 months to 11 years of age, the recommended dose of Nexium (Esomeprazole) to treat reflux esophagitis is 10 mg to 20 mg (depending on the child's weight) once daily for 8 weeks. For NERD (heartburn and reflux), the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.

For children 11 to 17 years of age, the recommended dose of Nexium (Esomeprazole) to treat reflux esophagitis is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. For NERD (heartburn and reflux), the recommended dose is 20 mg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Nexium (Esomeprazole) tablets can be taken with or without food. They should be swallowed whole - do not crush or chew them. Alternatively, the tablet may be stirred into half a glass of noncarbonated water until it disintegrates. Drink the liquid containing the small pellets of medication immediately, or within 30 minutes. To ensure you get the full dose of the medication, rinse the glass with more water and drink it.

The sachets of Nexium (Esomeprazole) contain granules for oral suspension. Pour all the granules of one sachet into a glass containing one tablespoon (15 mL) of water, stir, and leave for a few minutes to allow the mixture to thicken. Stir again and drink it within 30 minutes. To ensure you get the full dose of the medication, rinse the glass with more water and drink it.

It is important to take Nexium (Esomeprazole) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Nexium (Esomeprazole) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Nexium (Esomeprazole). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Nexium (Esomeprazole) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Nexium (Esomeprazole). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

changed sense of taste
Diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
Dry Mouth
hair loss
headache
increased sweating
muscle pain or weakness
nausea
nervousness
sensitivity to the sun
sore mouth
spinning sensation
swelling ankles, feet, and hands
trouble sleeping

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

blurred vision
confusion
diarrhea (watery and severe; may also be bloody)
feeling of burning or tingling
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
rash on cheeks or the arms that worsens in the sun
shortness of breath
signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heart beat)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
skin reactions (such as rash, itching, or Hives)
sore joints

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

severe skin problems (blisters, ulcers, or lesions)
signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the tongue, face, mouth, or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Nexium (Esomeprazole).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Nexium (Esomeprazole).

Bone health: Studies suggest that the use of Nexium (Esomeprazole), like other PPIs, may be related to an increase risk of fractures, particularly for people who take Nexium (Esomeprazole) for a year or longer. The lowest dose of Nexium (Esomeprazole) to control the symptoms, taken for the shortest period of time, is less likely to cause these problems.

Diarrhea: When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience watery, foul-smelling bowel movements after starting to take Nexium (Esomeprazole), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Nexium (Esomeprazole) may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Nexium (Esomeprazole). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: The liver is partially responsible for removing Nexium (Esomeprazole) from the body. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Nexium (Esomeprazole) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Nexium (Esomeprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nexium (Esomeprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Nexium (Esomeprazole).

Methotrexate interaction: Nexium (Esomeprazole), like other medications in this group, may interact with methotrexate when the two medications are used at the same time. This combination may lead to higher than expected amounts of methotrexate in the body and can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, Anemia, or infection. If you take Nexium (Esomeprazole) and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how Nexium (Esomeprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nexium (Esomeprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

More serious conditions of the stomach and intestines: If you experience symptoms of a more serious condition of the stomach and intestines (e.g., trouble swallowing, unplanned weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, or black stools) while taking Nexium (Esomeprazole), contact your doctor immediately.

Subacute cutaneous Lupus erythematosus (SCLE): Nexium (Esomeprazole), like other PPIs, has been rarely associated with SCLE, an autoimmune disease. If you develop any skin lesions, especially in sun-exposed skin areas, and if accompanied by muscle aches or pains, contact your doctor immediately.

Vitamin B12: Long-term use of Nexium (Esomeprazole) may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.

Pregnancy: Nexium (Esomeprazole) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Nexium (Esomeprazole), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Nexium (Esomeprazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Nexium (Esomeprazole), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Nexium (Esomeprazole) have not been established for children less than 1 year of age.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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