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Nexium ( e-so-MEP-ra-zole ) is used to treat conditions in which there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a condition in which the acid in the stomach washes back up into the esophagus. It also reduces the chance of gastric ulcers in patients who use a group of medicines called NSAIDs and who may be at greater risk (i. e. , patients 60 years of age or older or patients who have a history of gastric ulcers). Sometimes Nexium is used along with antibiotics to treat ulcers associated with infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria (germ). Nexium works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Nexium is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Delayed-release capsules (U.S.) Parenteral Injection (U.S.)
Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Nexium is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other medications to prevent stomach ulcers. Nexium is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. Nexium comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at least one hour before a meal. To help you remember to take Nexium, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Nexium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one Nexium capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use. Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to take Nexium. If you are taking Nexium for GERD, you may take it for 4-8 weeks or longer. If you are taking Nexium to treat an ulcer, you may take it with other medications for 10 days. Your doctor will tell you how long it will take to feel the full benefit of Nexium. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve during this time. Continue to take Nexium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Nexium without talking to your doctor. Buy Nexium (U.S. only) or read more info about Nexium. Brand names: - Esomeprazole - Nexium - Nexium I.V. |