Nexium belongs to the category of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors. It reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium is used to treat the symptoms of GERD by allowing the esophagus to heal and preventing further damage. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)is a condition whereby the backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and damage to the esophagus (a food pipe connecting the mouth and stomach). Nexium is also used in combination with other medicines for the prevention of stomach ulcers. Nexium is administered orally in the form of delayed-release (long-acting) capsules. The recommended dose is one a day at least one hour before meals. In order to avoid missing a dose, try to take Nexium at the same time every day. The capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be split or chewed. If you have difficulties in swallowing the capsules use a tablespoon of applesauce and sprinkle the contents of the capsule on it. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets. The mixture should be taken immediately and not saved for later use.
Warnings Precautions
If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Nexium. Dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required and in some cases Nexium might not be recommended for use at all. Nexium is in the B FDA pregnancy category, meaning that it is unlikely to harm the fetus. It is not known whether Nexium is passed onto breast milk. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor first before taking Nexium. 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. This diagnosis should be taken into consideration in the case of patients who suffer from diarrhea after the intake of antibacterial agents.
In some cases of patients undergoing penicillin therapy serious and occasionally lethal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported. The likelihood of these reactions to occur is higher in cases of past history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens.
Missing a Dose
In case of missing a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not take two doses at the same time.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit, contact your doctor immediately. Headaches, constipation, cough, or diarrhea are among the side effects of Nexium that may disappear during the course of the treatment. If these symptoms continue or become particularly irritating, consult your doctor. Rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, troubled breathing are among the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Nexium and medical help should be sought although few cases of an allergic reaction have been reported. If you detect other symptoms not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at 25?°C (77?°F). Temperature variations of between 15 and 30?°C (59 – 86?°F) are permitted. Keep container tightly closed.
Overdose
Drowsiness, shortness of breath, tremors, loss of coordination, and seizures are among the symptoms of a Nexium overdose. Seek medical help immediately.
More Information
Notify your pharmacist or doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you might be taking since some medications may interact with Nexium. Consult your doctor before combining Nexium with other medicines.
Nexium resources:
http://arthritis.about.com/cs/nsaids/a/ulcers.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/esomeprazole/article.htm
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/esomeprazole_ad.htm
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