What is Nexium?
Nexium is a trade name for esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used in the treatment of dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, acid reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How does Nexium work?
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor which acts by inhibiting the enzyme ATPase in the gut thus preventing the production of gastric acid.
What does Nexium look like?
Nexium is available as a purple capsule in strengths of 20 or 40 mg imprinted with two gold bands and 20 mg, and three gold bands and 40 mg respectively.
Nexium dosing and administration
The standard dosage of Nexium for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux is 20 mg once a day for between four and eight weeks. If the condition has caused erosive esophagitis, the initial dose may be increased to 40 mg one daily for between four to eight weeks followed by 20 mg daily. Nexium may be given as prophylaxis to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in patients being treated with NSAIDs. The dosage for this purpose is 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for up to six months. Nexium may be used as part of a triple therapy to combat helicobacter pylori. The dosage for this triple therapy is Nexium 40 mg once per day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice per day and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for ten days. For Zollinger-Ellison syndromes and other conditions involving excessive secretion of gastric acid, the dosage is 40 mg twice per day.
Common adverse effects from Nexium
Common side effects of Nexium may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation and dry mouth. Less common side effects may include allergic reaction, flushing, tachycardia, hypertension, back or chest pain, flushing, indigestion, dysphagia, earache or tinnitus, nosebleed, weigh fluctuations, fibromyalgia, acne, angioedema, rash, taste disturbances, depression, otitis media, blurred vision, pancreatitis or hypomagnesaemia.
Interactions with Nexium
Nexium may interact with a number of other drugs including certain antifungals, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), dasatnib, diazepam (Valium), digoxin, certain diuretics, erlotinib, iron supplements, mesalamine, some protease inhibitors and warfarin.
Nexium warnings and precautions
Nexium should be taken with caution by people who have any kind of liver disease or liver failure, suffer from allergies or hypomagnesaemia. Although animal trials have not demonstrated any negative fetal effects caused by Nexium, it should be used with caution by pregnant women. Because it has not been established whether Nexium is present in milk, it is recommended that nursing be discontinued while taking Nexium. You should inform your doctor of any other medications your taking including any herbal supplements.
What if I take an accidental overdose of Nexium?
Symptoms of a Nexium overdose may include dry mouth, nausea, headache, vision defects, drowsiness, confusion, and tachycardia. In animal experiments, death has resulted from a dosage equivalent to 103 times the normal dose. There is no effective antidote to Nexium overdose, so treatment should consist of dealing with the symptoms. If you suspect that you or anyone else has taken an overdose of Nexium you should seek immediate medical attention.