Nexium Usage

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux. By reducing acid production in the stomach, Nexium reduces the chance of acid backing up into the esophagus and causing reflux symptoms.

How To Take Nexium

Take Nexium capsules before meals and swallowed whole (the capsules should never be chewed or crushed). If you have a hard time swallowing capsules, you can empty a capsule into a tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should be eaten right away and never stored for later use. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. Taking Nexium should be part of your usual routine so that you do not forget to take it.

Nexium Side Effects

Nexium can cause side effects. Some of these side effects are minor and usually do not require you to stop taking the medicine. Others may be more serious. The most common Nexium side effects are: Headache, Diarrhea, and Abdominal Pains. Other serious stomach conditions may still exist.

Precautions for Nexium

Before taking Nexium (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. However, it is not known whether esomeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking esomeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Nexium Interactions

Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or 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.

Notes

The information contained on this website is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of Nexium is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Nexium.

Nexium Missed Dosage

Take the missed Nexium 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 Nexium unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Nexium Storage

Keep Nexium out of the reach of children and always replace the bottle cap after use. Leave Nexium in the original package and protect the medicine from sunlight and moisture. Store Nexium at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or between 15°C and 30°C).