Nexium ┆Drugs
Nexium
Esomeprazole
Why is this medication prescribed?
Esomeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes
heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the
throat and stomach). Esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD,
allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the
esophagus.
Esomeprazole is also used to decrease the chance that people
who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will
develop ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine). It is
also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of
stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori).
Esomeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach
produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole
is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by
decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
How should this medicine be used?
Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take
by mouth or to open, mix with water, and give through a feeding tube
and as granules to mix with water and take by mouth or give through a
feeding tube. Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day at least 1 hour
before a meal. When esomeprazole is used to treat certain conditions in
which the stomach makes too much acid, it is taken twice a day. Take
esomeprazole at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take esomeprazole exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than or
for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor or stated on
the package.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you
cannot swallow the capsule, put 1 tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce
in an empty bowl. Open one esomeprazole capsule and carefully sprinkle
the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce,
and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet
mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not
save the pellets and applesauce for later use.
To mix the granules, follow these steps:
-
Place 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water into a cup.
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Open the esomeprazole packet and empty the granules into the cup containing the water.
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Stir the granules into the water and leave the mixture alone for 2 to 3 minutes so that it will thicken.
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Stir the mixture again, and drink all of the mixture within 30 minutes.
-
If any material remains in the cup after drinking, add some more water and stir. Drink all of the mixture immediately.
The granules and the contents of the capsules can both be given
through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor or
pharmacist how you should take the medication. Follow those directions
carefully.
It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit
of esomeprazole. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not
improve during this time. Continue to take esomeprazole even if you feel
well. Do not stop taking esomeprazole without talking to your doctor.
If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking esomeprazole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (AcipHex), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in esomeprazole capsules or powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); certain antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend); cilostazol (Pletal); diazepam (Valium); digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); iron supplements; and certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), and saquinavir (Invirase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking esomeprazole, call your doctor.
- you may take antacids with esomeprazole. If you feel you need an antacid, ask your doctor to recommend one and to tell you when and how to take it.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
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.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Esomeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-
headache
-
diarrhea
-
nausea
-
gas
-
stomach pain
-
constipation
-
dry mouth
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
-
blisters or peeling skin
-
hives
-
rash
-
itching
-
difficulty breathing or swallowing
-
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
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hoarseness
-
irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
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excessive tiredness
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dizziness
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lightheadedness
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muscle spasms
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uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
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seizures
People who take proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole may be
more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do
not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who
take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or
longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age
or older. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking esomeprazole.
Esomeprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
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). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
-
confusion
-
drowsiness
-
blurred vision
-
fast heartbeat
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nausea
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sweating
-
flushing
-
headache
-
dry mouth
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor may order certain laboratory tests before and during your
treatment.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the
prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are
taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other
dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you
visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also
important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Nexium®
Brand names of combination products
- Vimovo® (containing Esomeprazole, Naproxen)
Category: Drugs
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