Nexium ® - Esomeprazole
Contents of this Article
Nexium Dosage
Esomeprazole - chemical name - Pronunciation - ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole
Nexium - brand name
The Purple Pill
Nexium is available in 20 mg and 40 mg Delayed Release capsules. Recommended adult dosage for treatment of * esophagitis is Nexium 20 mg or Nexium 40 mg one capsule daily 4 to 8 weeks (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). If healing is not complete, Nexium can be given for another 4 to 8 weeks. For maintenance of healing, the recommended dosage is Nexium 20 mg once daily. Controlled studies have not extended beyond 6 months.
To treat symptoms of * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the absence of esophagitis disease, Nexium 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, is recommended: an additional 4 weeks of treatment may be considered if symptoms persist.
For eradication of * helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to reduce the risk of * duodenal ulcer recurrence, 10 days of triple therapy with Nexium (esomeprazole) 40 mg once daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily is recommended, (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).
No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. For patients with severe hepatic impairment, the dose of Nexium should not exceed 20 mg. Follow the directions for using Nexium provided by your doctor.
Directions
Nexium capsules should be taken by mouth at least one hour before food and at the same time every day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not crush or chew the Nexium capsule. SWALLOW THE CAPSULE WHOLE. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules whole, you can empty a Nexium capsule into soft food such as a tablespoon of cool applesauce or yogurt. (The applesauce should not be hot). Do not chew the applesauce or yogurt medication mixture or make up a supply in advance. After taking the drug/applesauce mixture, drink a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the medicine. The applesauce should be eaten IMMEDIATELY and never stored for later use. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed.
If You Miss A Dose
If you miss a dose of Nexium, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. DO NOT double the dose to catch up. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you.
Nexium should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store Nexium in the bathroom.
If You Take Too Much
If overdose of Nexium is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, unusual sweating, blurred vision, or unusually fast heartbeat.
Additional Information
If you are taking Nexium for gastric ulcers or gastroesophagea reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. An additional 4 weeks of treatment may be considered. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor.
DO NOT SHARE NEXIUM with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Nexium for other health conditions (unless otherwise directed by your doctor) KEEP Nexium and other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Duodenal Ulcer - Pronounced - doo-AW-duh-nul UL-sur
Duodenal ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The duodenum is right after your stomach.
* Esophagitis - Pronounced - eh-saw-fuh-JY-tis
Esophagitis is an irritation of the esophagus, usually caused by acid that flows up from the stomach.
* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Pronounced - GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.
* Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) - Pronounced - HELL-uh-koh-BAK-tur py-LOH-ree
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral shaped bacterium found in the stomach. H. pylori damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers. Previously called Campylobacter pylori.
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