Nexium (Esomeprazole)

What is Nexium?

Nexium is a drug used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Delayed-release capsules of Nexium (esomeprazolemagnesium) contain an active ingredient called bis(5-methoxy-2-[(S)-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1 H -benzimidazole-1-yl) magnesium trihydrate. This is a compound that inhibits the secretion of gastric acid. Nexium can also prevent gastric ulcer.

What is Nexium used for?

Nexium is used for treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for the treatment of symptoms associated with excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Nexium also helps in the healing of erosive esophagitis.

How does Nexium work?

Esomeprazole is the active ingredient in Nexium. It decreases the production and secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. The acid can attack the esophagus in acid-reflux disease. Controlling and lowering the production and secretion of the acid helps in relieving heartburn pain and allows the stomach to repair the damage done to its lining by excessive production of stomach acid.

How to use Nexium

Nexium should be taken at least an hour before the meal, with a full glass of water. Do not break or crush Nexium capsule. Swallow it. You can also open the delayed-release Nexium capsule and sprinkle it into a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. This will make swallowing easier. Remember that this mixture is to be swallowed right away. Don’t chew it.

You can also take Nexium through a nasogastric feeding tube. Sprinkle the medicine, after opening the capsule, into a 60-ml syringe. Mix it in 50 ml of water. Shake the mixture well. Empty the syringe into the nasogastric tube.

Nexium warnings and precautions

Do not use Nexium if you are allergic to esomeprazole or benzimidazole medication such as mebendazole (Vermox) or albendazole (Albenza).

Follow the doctor’s instructions wisely. Take Nexium in the right amount, as prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have had any disease of heart or liver prior to taking Nexium.  

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance before starting with Nexium treatment. Lactating mothers must consult the doctor before restarting the medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Nexium dose?

If you have missed your Nexium dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Nexium overdose?

If you have taken a Nexium overdose you should seek medical attention.

Nexium interactions

While taking Nexium, it is advisable not to take any of the drugs mentioned below: 

• Clopidogrel (Plavix),
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps),
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Iron doses (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others)
• HIV/ AIDS medication such as nelfinavir (Viracept),atazanavir (Reyataz), saquinavir (Invirase), and others

Also, do not start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Nexium side effects

Nexium side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Nexium, contact your doctor.

Sudden headache, Diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea and problems with stomach such as stomach pain, gas and constipation are also side effects from Nexium.