Nexium

Common Name: esomeprazole

How does Nexium work?

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Proton pump inhibitors help to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Another proton pump inhibitor is omeprazole. Esomeprazole is also sometimes used along with antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers that are caused by bacteria known as H. pylori. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Nexium?

The recommended dose of esomeprazole for treatment of GERD is 20 mg to 40 mg taken once daily for four to eight weeks. Esomeprazole in a dose of 20 mg daily is sometimes taken to prevent a severe form of GERD (erosive esophagitis) from coming back. When used for the treatment of stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori, the dose of esomeprazole is 40 mg once daily taken with amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, all for 10 days. Many things can affect the dose or schedule of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If the schedule of your medicine is different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose of esomeprazole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal. The capsule should be swallowed whole - do not break, crush, or chew it. Alternatively, the capsule may be opened and the granules contained in the capsule sprinkled on applesauce or yogurt and swallowed immediately, or the granules can be mixed in water or apple or orange juice if you drink it immediately.

What form(s) does Nexium come in?

Nexium® is available as capsules containing esomeprazole 20 mg or 40 mg in delayed release granules. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glyceryl monostearate 40-50, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres, talc, and triethyl citrate. Capsule shell: gelatin, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Red No. 28, titanium dioxide, shellac, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and D&C Yellow No. 10.

What should I NOT take with Nexium?

Esomeprazole should not be used by anyone allergic to esomeprazole or any of the ingredients.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Nexium?

Pregnancy: There is limited experience with use of esomeprazole during pregnancy. Esomeprazole should be used during pregnancy only if expected benefits clearly outweigh risks. Breast-feeding: This medication has not been studied with nursing mothers. A decision should be made whether to stop nursing or to stop the drug, depending on the need of the drug by the mother.