WHAT TO KNOW
Do not stop taking Nexium (Esomeprazole) 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.
WHAT IS IT
Nexium (Esomeprazole) decreases the amount of acid produced
in the stomach. Esomeprazole is used to treat ulcers,
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn),
erosive esophagitis, and other conditions involving
excessive stomach acid production. Esomeprazole may
also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this med guide.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Take Nexium (Esomeprazole) 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. Esomeprazole 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 esomeprazole 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 esomeprazole
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may
improve before the condition is fully treated. Store
esomeprazole at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
MISSED 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 med unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Nexium
(Esomeprazole) overdose include:
drowsiness
shortness of breath
tremor
loss of coordination
seizures
SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue,
or face; or hives), stop taking esomeprazole and seek
emergency medical attention. Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Nexium (Esomeprazole) and talk to your doctor if you
experience:
headache
diarrhea
nausea
flatulence
abdominal pain or constipation
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.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Nexium (Esomeprazole), 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. Esomeprazole
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. There are no restrictions on food, beverages,
or activities while taking Nexium, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines:
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
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.
