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What is this medicine
Nexium is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in your stomach. Nexium is used to treat your esophagus, the area between your throat and st
omach that has become irritated, painful, and swollen from too much acid in your stomach.
It is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and other conditions in which the stom
ach makes too much acid. Nexium also is used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers.
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Before Using This Medicine
Breast-feedingˇXIt is not known whether Nexium passes in human breast milk. Since this medicine has been shown to cause unwanted effects in animals, it may be necessary for you to take another medicin
or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
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Side Effects
Side effects from Nexium can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- flatulence (gas)
- sto
mach pain
- constipation
- dry mouth
- change in taste
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- confusion
- drowsiness <
br> - blurred vision
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- flushing
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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 should this medicine be used?
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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Other Medicines
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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