Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE
 
Common uses

Nexium (Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (ppi) used to treat heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux. It may be used in combination with two antibiotics to treat helicobacter pylori (h. Pylori) infection and duodenal ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cilostazol, diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins with iron. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not chew, or crush the capsule. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to swallow without chewing. Discard any uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids.

Cautions

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast-milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating, flushing, headache, and dry mouth.

Additional information

If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) is permitted. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.