Actual product may differ in appearance from image shown.

Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE
 
Common applications

Nexium is a medicine used to treat heartburn, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux. When used with antibiotics, it can treat various other diseases, including duodenal ulcers. Your doctor may prescribe it to you to treat other conditions as well.

Precautions

Patients taking any of those medications: cilostazol, diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins with iron; should be extremely careful with their dosage and apply additional monitoring.

It's very easy to achieve negative side effects when the drug is used in combination with any of the above, so consult your doctor beforehand. Also, tell them about any medical conditions you're experiencing or have experienced in the past six months. Include any allergies, pregnancy, and if you're breastfeeding. Liver disease also warrants a bit more attention, so include that as well.

Instructions

Your doctor should provide you with complete instructions on how to use this medicine. Always swallow it whole - do not attempt to break it down, chew on it, etc. The medicine should be taken about one hour before a meal. Some people may experience difficulty in swallowing the capsules - in that case, open it, sprinkle the contents on a teaspoon of applesauce, and eat it. Drink a glass of cool water afterwards to help wash it down.

Warnings

Before undergoing a new type of treatment with medications, always consult your doctor. Women should do this if they've become pregnant. The effects of this drug on women who're breastfeeding have not been extensively tested. It's best to consult a doctor in that case.

Side effects

Constipation, coughing, diarrhea, headaches are the most commonly experienced side effects associated with the use of this medication. They normally disappear after the treatment has been completed, but in some cases may remain afterwards.

Consult a doctor if this occurs. Other side effects you may experience include a throat pain, stomach pain, chest pain, or vomiting. It has been extremely rare for patients to report allergic reactions to this drug, but in those cases, seek medical attention. An allergic reaction is best characterized with swelling, rashing and trouble breathing.

Overdose

If you begin to experience an increased heartbeat, drowsiness, flushing, blurred vision, confusion, nausea, or excessive sweating, this may be an indication of an overdose. Seek medical attention immediately.

Final notes

Treatment with this medicine should provide symptoms in a 4-8 week period. If your condition does not improve by that time, or it even worsens, consult a doctor. The medicine should only be used to treat conditions it was prescribed for.

Do not share it with individuals who do not own a prescription for it. Keep the medicine well out of reach for children.

Drug interactions

Some medications may provide unwanted side effects when used in combination with this drug. Consult a doctor to learn more about these.

Storage

The medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place, at room temperature (about 25 degrees C, or 77 F), away from any sources of heat, light, moisture, and out of children's reach. Missing a dose is not problematic, just remember to take the next one - do not take extra in attempts to compensate.