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What is Nexium
 Nexium
decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Nexium
is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions involving
excessive stomach acid production.
Nexium
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Nexium
Do not stop taking Nexium even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is
fully treated.
Do not break or chew the capsules.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release
slowly in the body.
Who should not take Nexium
Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you have
ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able
to take Nexium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring.
Nexium is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn
baby. Do not take Nexium without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Nexium
passes into breast milk. Do not take Nexium without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Nexium Take Nexium exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Nexium
should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
Do not break or chew
the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated
to release slowly in the body.
If you have difficulty
swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can
be added to an empty bowl and the Nexium capsule can be
opened, and the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied
onto the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the
applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce
should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed
without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed.
The pellet/applesauce mixture should not be stored for later
use.
Do not stop taking Nexium even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition
is fully treated.
Store Nexium at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Nexium overdose include drowsiness, shortness of breath,
tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Avoid while taking Nexium There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activities while taking Nexium, unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Nexium If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Nexium and seek
emergency medical attention.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Nexium and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
headache;
- diarrhea;
- nausea, flatulence,
abdominal pain, or constipation; or
- dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Nexium Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
- digoxin
(Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
- iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron,
Fergon, Femiron, others).
You may not be able to
take Nexium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Nexium.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
