Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor class of drug that helps in reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This drug is used to treat gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be prescribed for the treatment of dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and for healing esophagus damage caused due to acid reflux disease. Gastric ulcer caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be treated with Nexium. The drug is approved by most of the drug regulatory authorities of the world.

One should follow the given usage instructions while taking Nexium:

• Nexium tablet should be swallowed whole without biting or chewing with a glass full of water.
• Esomeprazole must be consumed at least one hour before the meal.
• Patients should stick to the doctor’s prescribed dosage to maximize the effect of the drug.
• The drug should be taken at the same time every day.
• Patients having difficulty in swallowing the tablet/capsule can mix the capsule content in water or applesauce to take it easily.
• Patients should not suddenly stop the medication.

Dosages

The dosages of Esomeprazole vary for different treatments. The prescribed Nexium dosages for different diseases include:

GERD – GERD patients are advised with 20 mg or 40 mg of Nexium taken once in a day for 4 to 8 weeks. Children between the age group of 1 to 11 years are prescribed the dosage of 10 mg to 20 mg taken once in a day for up to 8 weeks. Intestinal Ulcers - The recommended adult dose is 40 mg taken once in a day for the intestinal ulcers patients (caused by H. pylori). The patients have to take 1,000 mg amoxicillin and 500 Mg clarithromycin along with Nexium. Stomach Ulcers – For treating stomach ulcers patients are given 20 mg or 40 mg of Nexium once in a day for up to 6 months. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome–Patients are advised with a dosage of 40 mg taken twice in a day.

Missed Dose and Overdose of Nexium

Missed Does

If a dose of Nexium is missed, the patients can take the missed dose as soon as they remember it. However, patients should not take the missed does if it is time for the next dose. Patients should not take double or extra does to compensate for the missed does.

Overdoes of Nexium

Overdose victims may suffer from headache, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, sweating, shortness of breath, seizure, tremor, tachycardia, loss of coordination, diaphoresis, or flushing. The patients should be immediately provided with medical attention. One can also seek advice from their local poison helpline.

Storage Instructions

Nexium must be stored in a cool, dry place and at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The container of Nexium should be closed tightly and kept out of the reach of children. Expired and unused medications must be safely disposed.

Patients prescribed with Esomeprazole must be aware of the following warnings:

• The intake of Nexium in high doses for more than a year may increase the risk of fracture in the hip bone, spine or wrist.
• Hypomagnesemia or loss of magnesium in the body may occur in patients taking Esomeprazole for long-term.
• The risk of severe inflammation of the stomach lining may increase in the patients using Nexium for a long period.
• Pregnant women should avoid using Esomeprazole because the effect of the medicine on an unborn baby is unknown.
• Nexium may increase the risk of severe diarrhea associated with intestinal infections.

Esomeprazole has proved its effectiveness in the treatment of acid reflux disease. There are few side effects associated with taking this drug. However, patients can consult the doctor if any of the side effects becomes bothersome. Side effects that may occur include:

Common Side Effects of Esomeprazole

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry Mouth

Severe Side Effects:

• Seizures
• Dizziness
• Abnormal or fast heartbeat
• Jitteriness
• Tremors
• Spasms
• Weakness
• Cramps or muscle ache
• Spasm of the voice box

Drug Interactions

Esomeprazole may interact with other medicines and affect their mechanism. Patients must inform their doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications that they are taking. It is vital for the patients to make sure that the combination of drug they are using is safe. Nexium can have interactions with the following drugs:

• Cilostazol (Pletal)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Erlotinib (Tarceva)
• Methotrexate
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Saquinavir (Fortovase)
• Products that contain iron
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• St.John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Rifampin (Rimactane, Rifater, Rifamate)
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Voriconazole (Vfend)
• Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Q: Why is Nexium prescribed?

A: Nexium works to help in reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach

Q: Does Nexium have a generic alternative?

A: Esomeprazole (Generic) is approved and available for purchase at a lower price than the brand. 

Q: How long until I see the effects of Nexium?

A: You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. It may also take up to 4 weeks to work properly. 

Q: Are there any known drugs that interact with Nexium?

A: See 'Drug Interactions' under 'Side Effects' above

Q: What if I miss a dose of Nexium?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).