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What is Nexium? |
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Drug Uses
Nexium significantly reduces the acid production levels within the stomach. It is primarily administered as a treatment for indications of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or various other conditions which involve an excess in stomach acids (like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). The medication may also be used to encourage the healing of the damages to your esophagus, as a result of excessive stomach acid build-up (erosive esophagitis). In some cases, Nexium may be used as a preventive medication against gastric ulcer (resulting from an infection with H. pylori).
How to Take Nexium
You may take Nexium with water if necessary, at least an hour prior to a meal. Although the medication is normally administered only for a treatment period of one to two months, you may require a second treatment regimen if additional healing period is needed. If it comes in a delayed-release tablet, swallow it whole without breaking or chewing. You can open the capsule though, and sprinkle its contents in a spoonful of applesauce for easier ingestion. It may also be administered via a nasogastric feeding tube.
Drug Precautions
Do not take Nexium if you bear an allergic reaction with esomeprazole or benzimidazole medication, or if you have a current or past record of liver or cardiac disease. Your dose may be adjusted accordingly, or you may require close monitoring while under treatment. There are certain conditions which are only successfully treated if Nexium is used in combination with antibiotics. To obtain the best treatment for your condition, take your medications as prescribed, and do not adjust your doses without instruction.
Drug Interactions
These medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Nexium: a sedative like diazepam; iron; ketoconazole, digoxin, or atazanavir; and blood thinners, including warfarin. You may also be under other forms of medication which can interact with Nexium; inform your doctor regarding all of the drugs in your treatment regimen, including herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplementation, and over-the-counter drugs and products.
Side Effects
The usual adverse effects of Nexium normally dissipate during the course of your treatment, but if they persist or worsen, seek medical attention. These include headaches, parched mouth, gas, diarrhea, cough, nausea, stomach pains, or constipation. Get urgent medical help at once if you incur throat or chest pain, extreme stomach pain, or if your vomit is similar to coffee grounds in appearance.
Missed Dose
Make up for a missed dose immediately by taking it upon remembering. But if the succeeding dose is not yet due, skip the missed intake, and follow through with your normal dosing schedule by taking the next dose as instructed. Avoid taking two simultaneous doses of the drug to compensate for a missed intake.
Overdose
If you believe that you have taken Nexium in excess, call for medical attention at once. The indications of a potential overdose can involve vexation, headaches, a rapid heartbeat, parched mouth, flushing, convulsive episodes, tremors, profuse sweating, drowsiness, and blurry vision.
Storage
Store Nexium within temperatures of 15 - 30C. Dispense in tight-capped containers.
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