Nexium
esomeprazole magnesium
Nexium is useful for treating heart burns and other symptoms that are associated with stomach acid back flow from the canal to the stomach, the condition termed as gastroesophagal reflux disease. Nexium is also useful for healing erosive esophagitis. Nexium is combined with antibiotics like amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, etc. The drug is useful for treating duodenal ulcers.
Drug Action
Like omeprazole, Nexium works by minimizing the stomach acid production.
Drug Facts
Nexium comes in the form of delayed release capsules, which has to be swallowed as a whole. The tablet should not be crushed or chewed in the mouth.
Drug Administration
Nexium has to be taken orally at least one hour before food. Nexium has to be taken as a whole. If you have any difficulty in swallowing the capsule, then the capsule can be opened and swallowed as the whole pellet or can be mixed with a table spoon of cold apple sauce that has to swallowed without chewing.
Missed Dose
In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.
Drug Storage
Nexium is stored at room temperature in an air tight container.
Nexium Side effects
Some of the side effects of Nexium include:
- Abdominal aches
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
Precautions
It is advisable not to use Nexium if you are:
- Allergic to one or many ingredients of the drug
- If you are allergic to omeprazole
- The antibiotics that are prescribed along with the drug can sometimes produce severe side effects. If you are prescribed this combination, then check for body reaction towards amoxicillin and Clarithromycin importantly.
Drug Interactions
Nexium reacts with the following drug and alters the drug efficacy. Some of the drugs that comes under this are:
- Diazepam
- Digoxin
- Iron salts
- Ketoconazole
- Warfarin
- No reaction has been detected with antacids and Nexium
Pregnancy
The effect of Nexium in pregnant mothers has not been studied extensively. However, it is better to consult doctor, if you are pregnant. Nexium is found the breast milk of breast feeding mothers. Hence, it is advisable to avoid the drug usage, if you are breast feeding, as the drug could harm the infant.
Nexium Dosage
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
- For treating GERD, 20mg of Nexium is prescribed daily for 4 weeks. If the symptoms of the disease do not wane in 4 weeks, then it is wise to contact the doctor.
Erosive Esophagitis:
- 20 to 40 mg of Nexium is taken daily from 4 to 8 weeks and in case of complete healing, Nexium is prescribed for another 8 weeks. The maintenance healing dosage is 20mg daily.
Duodenal Ulcers:
- Nexium recommended dosage id 40mg daily for 10 days. In case if you suffer from severe liver problems, then the dosage recommendation is not more than 20mg per day.
Drug Overdose
In case of drug overdose, contact nearest emergency care center. Commonly seen drug overdose symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
