What is Nexium?
- Esomeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
- Esomeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions involving excessive
stomach acid production.
- Esomeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
Who should not take Nexium?
- Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any
type of liver disease. You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
- Esomeprazole 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 esomeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take
esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should I take Nexium?
- Take esomeprazole
exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
- Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly in the body.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce
can be added to an empty bowl and the esomeprazole capsule can be opened,
and the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce.
The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately.
The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed
without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/applesauce
mixture should not be stored for later use.
- Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
- Store esomeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What
happens if I miss a 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.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an esomeprazole overdose include drowsiness, shortness of breath,
tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures.
What should I avoid while taking
Nexium?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities
while taking esomeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.What
are the possible
side effects of esomeprazole?
- If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking
esomeprazole and seek emergency medical attention.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take esomeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- headache
- diarrhea
- nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, or
constipation
- dry mouth
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What
other drugs will affect Nexium?
- Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines:
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others)
- You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with esomeprazole.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Link
to Nexium's Labeling 
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