Drug Name

Nexium (Esomeprazole)

 Drug Uses

Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Nexium is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other medications to prevent stomach ulcers. Nexium is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Nexium comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day at least one hour before a meal. To help youremember to take Nexium, take it around the same time every day. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallowthe capsule, put one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one Nexium capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use.

 Drug Class and Mechanism

Esomeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very similar to omeprazole. Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which all are caused by stomach acid. Esomeprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By blocking the enzyme, the production of acid is decreased, and this allows the stomach and esophagus to heal. Esomeprazole was approved by the FDA in February, 2001.

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.

Store Prevacid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 Warnings/Precautions

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. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more apt to occur if you have a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Pseudo membranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clarithromycin and amoxicillin, and may range in severity from mild to life threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.

 Possible Side Effects

Nexium side effects that may go away during treatment include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to Nexium is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Nexium include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

 More Information

• 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 esomeprazole 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.