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Nexium
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Nexium Information
Esomeprazole (By mouth)
Esomeprazole (es-oh-MEP-ra-zole)
Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and conditions that cause your stomach to make too much acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Also used with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers. Prevents stomach ulcers and stomach irritation in patients taking pain and arthritis drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for long periods of time.
Brand Name(s):Nexium
There may be other brand names for Nexium. When Nexium Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Nexium if you have had an allergic reaction to esomeprazole or similar medicines such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), or rabeprazole (Aciphex®). How to Use Nexium:
Delayed Release Capsule, Packet
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Nexium to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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Nexium comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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It is best to take Nexium at least 1 hour before a meal.
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Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the delayed-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Do not store any of the mixture for future use.
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If you are using the packet of oral granules, add the contents into a container with 1 tablespoon of water and stir well. This mixture is a delayed-release oral suspension. Leave the mixture for 3 minutes and stir and drink it immediately.
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The delayed-release oral suspension or the medicine inside the delayed-release capsule may be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. To do this, open the capsule or packet and empty the medicine granules into a syringe and mix in 2 or 3 tablespoons of water (for delayed-release capsule) or 1 tablespoon of water (for delayed-release oral suspension). Place the syringe plunger into the tube and shake the medicine mixture for 15 seconds. Make sure there are no medicine granules stuck in the tip of the syringe. Insert the syringe into the NG tube right away. Then draw 1 tablespoon of clear water into the syringe and insert it into the tube to rinse all of the medicine from the syringe.
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Keep using Nexium for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
If a dose is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Nexium:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using voriconazole (Vfend®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), iron supplements, or digoxin (Lanoxin®). Tell your doctor if you also use a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
Warnings While Using Nexium:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
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Nexium is sometimes given together with clarithromycin (Biaxin®) to treat ulcers. Be sure you understand about the risks and proper use of any other medicines your doctor prescribes together with esomeprazole.
Possible Side Effects While Using Nexium:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
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Bloody or black, tarry stools.
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Chest pain, fast heartbeat, sweating, warmth or redness in your face or upper chest.
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Confusion or depressed mood.
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Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
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Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
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Unusual bleeding, bruising, weakness, or pale skin.
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Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Changes in your menstrual periods.
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Dry mouth, increased or decreased appetite.
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Headache, ear pain, or ringing in your ears.
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Joint pain.
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Nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, or constipation.
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Trouble sleeping.
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Weight increase or decrease.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Nexium, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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