Drug name:
Nexium
What is
Nexium? Nexium is a
proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat
heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux. Nexium may be
used in combination with two antibiotics to treat
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and
duodenal ulcers. It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor. |
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How Nexium works
Each
acid-producing cell contains millions of acid pumps.
NEXIUM works by decreasing the acid produced by these
acid pumps. As you can see in this drawing, NEXIUM turns
off (deactivates) some of the pumps to keep acid
production under control. By reducing acid production in
the stomach, NEXIUM reduces the chance of acid backing
up into the esophagus and causing reflux symptoms.
How do I take
Nexium?
Your healthcare professional will tell
you how and when to take NEXIUM. NEXIUM is available as
a capsule, which comes in different dosage strengths.
Your healthcare professional will prescribe the dose
that is right for you.
Taking NEXIUM should be part of
your usual routine so that you do not forget to take it.
NEXIUM capsules should be taken before meals and
swallowed whole (the capsules should never be chewed or
crushed). If you have a hard time swallowing capsules,
you can empty a capsule into a tablespoon of applesauce.
The applesauce should be eaten right away and never
stored for later use. The pellets should not be chewed
or crushed.
Do not use NEXIUM to treat any
other medical conditions unless instructed by your
healthcare professional. Never share NEXIUM with anyone
else - it has been prescribed for you!
What should I do if I forget to
take a dose of Nexium?
If you miss Nexium dose,
continue taking Nexium as directed and consult with your
healthcare professional.
Are there any side effects
caused by Nexium?
NEXIUM can cause side effects.
Some of these side effects are minor and usually do not
require you to stop taking Nexium. Others may be
more serious.
The most common side effects are:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pains
Other serious stomach conditions
may still exist. For a complete listing of all the side
effects that have been reported with the use of NEXIUM,
ask your healthcare professional to talk to you about
the full important product information about Nexium.
How should I store
Nexium?
Keep NEXIUM out of the reach of children
and always replace the bottle cap after use. Leave
NEXIUM in the original package and protect the medicine
from sunlight and moisture. Store NEXIUM at room
temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or between 15°C and
30°C).