Product information
Drug name: Nexium
Generic name: Esomeprazole Magnesium
Formulation: capsule, intravenous injection/infusion
What is Nexium?
Nexium 24hr active medicine is used to treat stomach and esophageal issues including ulcers and acid reflux. Esomeprazole is one of the active Nexium ingredients. This drug reduces stomach acid production, which helps with heartburn, swallowing problems, and a persistent cough. For adults, Nexium 20mg and Nexium 40mg are the most common Nexium dosages.
Once a day, one hour before meals, this medicine is taken orally. Treatment duration and dose are determined by the patient’s condition and reaction. Without contacting a doctor, do not modify the dosage or frequency. This drug may take up to four days to completely act; it will not work immediately.
Take the pill whole, without crushing or chewing it. If you use the over-the-counter form of this medicine to self-medicate, be sure to read the instructions and ingredients on the packaging carefully. If you’ve had heartburn for more than 14 days or have been taking medicines for more than four months, you should see a doctor since the chance of adverse effects increases.
Even if you don’t feel well, complete the therapy. Unless directed differently by a physician, do not take for more than 14 days if self-treating.
Using Nexium
Before use, consult your prescribing doctor if you have a history of:
- Liver disease
- Lupus
Some of the adverse effects might be linked to more severe diseases, such as C. difficile-related intestinal problems. If you’re experiencing lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, unexplained weight gain, or chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain, talk to your doctor.
Is self-treating, do not use if:
- Trouble/pain swallowing
- Bloody/coffee grounds vomit
- Bloody/black stool
- Heartburn for 3+ months
- Frequent chest pain
- Frequent wheezing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Stomach pain
Prior to surgery, speak with your doctor or dentist.
This drug has the potential to make bones more prone to fracture, especially in elderly individuals. Coughs, fevers, and respiratory/oral/nasal infections are more common in children.
Possible interactions include:
- Cilostazol
- Clopidogrel
- Methotrexate
- Rifampin
- St. John’s wort
Some medications will have reduced efficiency from reduced stomach acid such as:
- Atazanavir
- Erlotinib
- Nelfinavir
- Pazopanib
- Rilpivirine
- Azole antifungals
Consult your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of taking this medicine if you are pregnant or nursing. It is uncertain how it affects newborns after passing via breastmilk.
This drug has the potential to alter test findings, resulting in incorrect results.
Nexium Side Effects:
Common:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
Serious:
- Low magnesium blood level
- Lupus • Diarrhea that doesn’t stop
- Abdominal/ stomach pain/cramping
- Fever
- Blood/mucus in stool
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Allergic reaction
Nexium vs. Prilosec
There are two isomers of Prilosec and only one isomer of Nexium. Nexium digests more slowly as a result of this, allowing it to be active for extended periods of time. The liver processes it in a different way, resulting in fewer adverse effects.