Drug Uses

Nexium is a medicine indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a medical condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach leads to heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe that connects the mouth and the stomach). Nexium treats the symptoms of GERD, allows the esophagus to heal and prevents it from new damages. The medicine may also be used to prevent stomach ulcers. Nexium is from a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitor and it works as it reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

How Taken

Nexium is available as a capsule with long action (delayed-release) that is taken orally. The common dosage is one capsule per day, at least an hour before a meal. You may take the medicine at the same time every day to remember taking it. The capsules should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush or split them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you can open it and mix its pellets with a tablespoon of cool soft apple sauce. You should swallow the whole mixture immediately and not leave it for later.

Warnings/Precautions

Before using Nexium, you should inform your doctor if you have ever had any kind of liver disease. You may not been able to use Nexium or your dosage may have to be adjusted, or you may have to be monitored during the treatment. Nexium falls into the FDA pregnancy category B which means in is unlikely to be harmful for a fetus. Consult your doctor before using Nexium in case you are pregnant. Also, consult your doctor before using the medicine if you are breast feeding because it is not known if Nexium passes into breast milk. There are reports about patients on penicillin therapy that have experienced serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions. Such reactions are more likely to occur in patients who have had hypersensitivity to penicillin or sensitivity to multiple allergens. Pseudo membranous colitis has been reported in patients treated with almost all antibacterial agents, including clarithromycin and amoxicillin. The severity of this condition may vary from mild to life threatening. This diagnosis should be considered in patients who experience diarrhea after intake of antibacterial agents.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Among the adverse effects cause by Nexium that may disappear during the treatment are headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. Consult your doctor if these side effects if they continue longer or if they bother you. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to Nexium occurs very rarely but if you develop on, you should immediately search for medical help. An allergic reaction to Nexium may be manifested by rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you experience any other side effects that are not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Storage

Nexium should be stored at a temperature of 25°C (77°F); fluctuations allowed to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F). The medicine should be kept in a tightly-closed container.

Overdose

Immediately search for medical help. Among the symptoms of a Nexium overdose are drowsiness, shortness of breath, tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures

More Information

Nexium may interact with some medicines or medical conditions. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription or non-prescription medicines that you are using. Consult your doctor before you use any 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.