Nexium
® (
esomeprazole magnesium) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is also known as "the purple pill" because it is a purple capsule with two or three gold rings, depending on the strength.
Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Nexium is licensed to treat or prevent a number of conditions. These uses include:
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 It?
General considerations for when and how to take Nexium include the following:
- The medication 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 in your system.
- The powder form comes in single-dose packets. Mix one packet with 15 mL (1 tablespoon) 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. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Nexium your healthcare provider recommends 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 taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are associated with Nexium. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they either require no treatment or are easily treated by a healthcare provider.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Nexium Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Nexium?
Prior to taking this drug, 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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Nexium may experience overdose symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Nexium Be Stored?
Nexium should be stored at room temperature. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Nexium as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
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?
At this time, generic versions of Nexium are not available
(see Generic Nexium for more information).
