Generic Nexium

Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE

Drug uses

Nexium (Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor which is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux. The medication may be used together with two antibiotics in order to treat duodenal ulcers and helicobacter pylori (h. Pylori) infection. Beyond that the drug may also be used in treatment of other conditions as determined by your health provider.

Before using

Caution is advised in case you are taking diazepam, ketoconazole, cilostazol, iron (or vitamins with iron), itraconazole, digoxin, or sucralfate. Inform the doctor beforehand if you have allergies, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In case you have liver disease additional monitoring of your condition or dose is recommended. If you are not sure of how to use the drug, contact your doctor.

How taken?

Follow your doctor's recommendations when using Esomeprazole. You should swallow the whole capsule without chewing or crushing it. The drug is to be taken at least an hour before a meal.

In case it is difficult for you to swallow capsules, you may sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medication with the applesauce and swallow at once. The applesauce should be at room temperature and soft enough to swallow without chewing.

You may take Nexium with antacids in case your doctor has given you an instruction to do so.

The drug should be stored at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from light, heat, and moisture. If you have missed a dose of Nexium, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, In case it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Warnings/ Precautions

Inform your doctor of any other drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines.

For women: discuss with your doctor the usage of Nexium during pregnancy. It is unknown whether the drug is excreted in breast-milk. In case you are or will be nursing while you are using Esomeprazole, discuss with you doctor the risks, the medicine may bring to your baby.

Possible side effects

During the treatment some side effects may occur. Less serious side effects include: diarrhea, constipation, headache, or cough.

An allergic reaction, severe stomach pain, throat pain, chest pain, or coffee-ground vomit are among serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of them. Seek an emergency medical help if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction (itching, dizziness, swelling, rash, trouble breathing).

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed, contact your local poison control center or emergency room as soon as possible. Symptoms of overdose are the following: excessive sweating, blurred vision, nausea, drowsiness, flushing, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, confusion and headache.

Additional information

If you are taking Nexium to treat reflux disease, your symptoms should improve in 4 - 8 weeks. Contact your doctor if your symptoms become worse. Neither share this drug with others for whom it was not prescribed nor use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Drug interactions

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Esomeprozole, which may lead to unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. You should keep your doctor informed of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.