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What special precautions should I follow?
ChildrenˇX Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of Nexium in children with use in other age groups.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
Rare side effects may include:
- itching, leg and body swelling, liver problems, loss of appetite, loss of taste, lymph node problems, menstrual problems, migraine, mouth and throat problems, nau
sea, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, painful joints and muscles, painful urination, prickly or burning sensation, rash, rectal problems, rigidity, ringing in the ears, runny nose, sensitivity to touch,
sinus problems, sleep disorders, sleepiness, sore throat, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, stomach upset, sweating, swelling, taste changes, thirst, tremors, urinary tract infection, vaginitis, vertigo
, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, weight changes, worsening of arthritis, worsening of asthma, worsening of depression
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Nexium relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)+m-a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also pre
scribed to heal the damage (erosive esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause.
Prescribed in combination with the antibiotics Biaxin and Amoxil, Nexium is also used to treat the infection t
hat causes most duodenal ulcers (ulcers occurring just beyond the exit from the stomach).
Like its sister drug Prilosec, Nexium works by reducing the production of stomach acid.
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. There have been some reports of Nexium overdoses. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Ne
xium overdose may include:
- Blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating
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How to Use
Nexium comes as delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. For inflamed esophagus and other conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, one capsule is usually taken once a day fo
r 4 to 8 weeks. It may be used for up to 6 months after your symptoms have improved.
For ulcers, one capsule is usually taken in combination with antibiotics once a day for 10 days.
Nexium should be swallowed whole and taken at least 1 hour before meals. Nexium may be taken with water, orange juice, apple juice, or yogurt.
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Drug Interactions
If Nexium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nexium with the foll
owing:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
There's no problem, however, with com
bining antacids and Nexium; no unwanted interaction will result.
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