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.
