Nexium belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors. The work of it consists in decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium (Esomeprazole) is used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is unpleasant 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 (Esomeprazole) is taken by mouth. It comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule. Usually you should take it once a day at least one hour before a meal. To remember to take Nexium, it is recommended to take it at the same time every day. You should swallow the whole capsule; you should not split, chew, or crush it. If you cannot swallow the whole capsule, take one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce and put it in an empty bowl. Then open one capsule of Nexium (Esomeprazole) and sprinkle the pellets carefully onto the applesauce. Then mix the pellets with the applesauce, and immediately swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellets mixture. You should not chew the pellets in the applesauce. The pellets and applesauce mixture should not be saved and used later.
Esomeprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, works blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Thus, the production of acid is decreased, and this helps to heal the stomach and esophagus. FDA approved Esomeprazole in February, 2001.
If you miss to take the dose of this medicine you can take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is near the time to take your next dose, you should not take the missed dose, you take only the next dose according to the schedule. You should not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor prescribes it.
Nexium should be stored at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture and heat.
Nexium Safety information
Before taking Nexium, inform your doctor if you have or 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 during taking this medicine. Nexium belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B. So, it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, you should not take Nexium without consulting your doctor first. It is not known whether Nexium passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a baby, you should not take Nexium without consulting your doctor first. It has been reported that serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions occur in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur if you have a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. It has been reported that pseudo membranous colitis occurs with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clarithromycin and amoxicillin, it may range in severity from mild to life threatening. Therefore, the consideration of this diagnosis is important for patients, who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.
Nexium Side effects
Side effects from taking Nexium may go away during treatment. They include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they persist or are bothersome, consult your doctor. You should IMMEDIATELY contact your doctor if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to Nexium is unlikely, but if it occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Nexium. You should contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, if you experience other side effects that are not listed here.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Esomeprazole and consult your doctor if you have headache; diarrhea; nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation; dry mouth.
- If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), you should stop taking Esomeprazole and seek immediate medical attention.
- Side effects other than those listed above may also occur. Inform your doctor of any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
