NEXIUM - Esomeprazole

Nexium Used For

Nexium is indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) in the healing and symptomatic resolution of diagnostically confirmed erosive esophagitis. It is also indicated for treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Directions for Nexium dosage

The recommended starting dosage of Nexium is 20 mg. For specific indications, dosages can be as follows: Erosive Esophagitis - 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks, GERD - 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks.

How Nexium medication works

Nexium medication delayed-release capsules should be swallowed whole without splitting or crushing and taken at least one hour before eating.

Nexium medicine side effects

As with all other medicines, Nexium also produces certain side effects which include: blistering, peeling, loosening of skin, bloating, chills, cough, darkened urine, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fever, hives, indigestion, itching, joint or muscle pain, loss of appetite, pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue, red irritated eyes, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, shortness of breath, skin rash, sore throat, sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips, tightness in chest, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, wheezing, yellow eyes or skin.

Other Nexium Information

For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, Nexium delayed release capsule can be opened and the pellets mixed lightly with one tablespoon of applesauce. The mixture should be swallowed immediately thereafter. The applesauce used 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 future use. For patients who have a nasogastric tube in place, Nexium can be opened and the intact granules emptied into a 60 mL syringe and mixed with 50 mL of water. Replace the plunger and shake the syringe vigorously for 15 seconds. Hold the syringe with the tip up and check for granules remaining in the tip. Attach the syringe to a nasogastric tube and deliver the contents of the syringe through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. After administering the granules, the nasogastric tube should be flushed with additional water. Do not administer the pellets if they have dissolved or disintegrated. Antacids may be used while taking Nexium.