Nexium

Information on Nexium

Delayed Release Capsule
Chemical Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE (ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may be used to prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may be used with certain antibiotics to treat ulcers of the small intestines and to prevent them from coming back. It may be used to treat conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking an HIV protease inhibitor (such as atazanavir). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking voriconazole, anticoagulants (such as warfarin), cilostazol, digoxin, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), or iron. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, stomach or bowel cancer, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. SWALLOW WHOLE. DO NOT chew, or crush the capsule. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING CAPSULES, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to swallow without chewing. Discard any uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to any ingredient in this product, or to similar medicines (such as omeprazole). TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION IN CHILDREN; they may be more likely to experience drowsiness from this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast-milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, gas, headache, nausea, and stomach pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual tiredness or persistent sore throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; dark urine; fast heartbeat; fever or chills; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating, flushing, or severe drowsiness, headache, nausea, or dry mouth.

Additional information
If you are taking this medicine for reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.