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Nexium

Nexium is a drug that is used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori infections. It is also used to prevent stomach ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also known as "the purple pill," Nexium belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which decrease the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites. Some of the common side effects of Nexium include nausea, headaches, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Nexium?

Nexium® (esomeprazole magnesium) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Nexium is also known as "the purple pill" because it is a purple capsule with two or three gold rings, depending on the strength.
 

Who Makes Nexium?

Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

What Is Nexium Used For?

Nexium is licensed to treat or prevent a number of conditions. These Nexium uses include:
 
  • Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Treatment of erosive esophagitis
  • Prevention of stomach ulcers in those people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
  • Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
  • Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (in which stomach acid is greatly overproduced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
     

How Does Nexium Work?

Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
 It decreases the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites.
 

What Are the Effects of Nexium?

Nexium reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, helping heartburn and other GERD symptoms go away. Also, lowering the amount of stomach acid allows any damage already done to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines time to heal.
 

When and How Do I Take Nexium?

General considerations for when and how to take Nexium include the following:
 
  • Nexium comes in capsules and in powder form (used to make an oral suspension). Normally, it should be taken once a day, at least one hour before a meal.
     
  • Nexium should be taken at the same time each day, to maintain an even level of the drug in your system.
     
  • Nexium powder comes in single-dose packets. Mix one packet with 15 mL (1 tablespoonful) of water and let sit for two or three minutes to thicken. Stir and drink within 30 minutes. If any medication remains in the container, add more water, stir, and drink again.
     
  • For Nexium to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Nexium will not work if you stop taking it.

 

Nexium: Dosing

The dose of Nexium recommended by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Nexium Dosing for more information about dosing guidelines for Nexium.)
 

What Are Some of the Common Side Effects Associated With Nexium?

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects associated with Nexium. Not everyone who takes the medication will experience Nexium side effects. When side effects of Nexium do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning that they either require no treatment or are easily treated by a healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of Nexium include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Nexium Side Effects to learn more about some of the side effects of Nexium.)
 

Nexium: Drug Interactions

Nexium potentially has a number of medicines with which it can interact.
 
(Click Nexium Drug Interactions for more information about Nexium and these other medicines.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Nexium?

Prior to taking Nexium, you should let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or liver failure
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Nexium Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Nexium.)
 

Nexium: Overdose

People who take too much Nexium may experience overdose symptoms such as:
 
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
     
If you happen to overdose on Nexium, seek medical attention immediately.
 

How Should Nexium Be Stored?

Nexium should be stored at room temperature. Nexium capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Nexium and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Nexium?

If you do not take your Nexium as scheduled, take your next scheduled dose at its normal time. Never take a double dose!
 

Nexium: Strengths

Nexium comes in a number of strengths. These include:
 
  • Nexium 20 mg capsules
  • Nexium 40 mg capsules
  • Nexium for oral suspension 10 mg packets
  • Nexium for oral suspension 20 mg packets
  • Nexium for oral suspension 40 mg packets.
       

Is There a Generic Form of Nexium?

There is currently no generic Nexium available for sale. (Click Generic Nexium for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;