Heartburn/GERD and Esomeprazole

Trade Name: Nexium

Esomeprazole is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease and to heal acid-related damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Like other proton pump inhibitors, Esomeprazole works by stopping many of the "acid pumps" in the cells of the stomach. As a result, the stomach content becomes less acidic. Esomeprazole can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage on the lining of the esophagus.

Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori infection or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Read more details about Esomeprazole.

Esomeprazole (Nexium) is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. The doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if additional healing time is needed.

Esomeprazole (Nexium) is available as 20mg and 40 mg delayed-release capsules, and as delayed-release oral suspension at 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg per packet

Esomeprazole must be used exactly as directed. It should be taken for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Esomeprazole in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended. Check the directions on your prescription label.

Do not crush, break, or open a delayed-release capsule, it must be swallowed whole. This capsule is designed to release medicine slowly in the body. Crushing or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take the medication 1 hour before a meal.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next scheduled time. Do not take extra amount of the medicine to make up the missed dose.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Use caution if you have risk factors for osteoporosis (alcohol use, cigarette smoking, other family members with osteoporosis, taking medicines to treat seizures, taking steroids).

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Diarrhea.

• Hip, spine, or wrist fractures may rarely occur.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe bone pain.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

1. Anthony, P.,Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review. 2nd Edition. 2003. Delmar Cengage Learning.
2. Rosenthal. M. 50 Ways to Relieve Heartburn, Reflux and Ulcers. 2001. McGraw-Hill
3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601471
4. http://www.purplepill.com/about-nexium/index.aspx
6. http://www.drugs.com/nexium.html