The following information is a
summary. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What To Know
Do not stop taking Nexium (esomeprazole) even if you begin to
feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is
fully treated. Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them
whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the
body.
What Is It
Esomeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Esomeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions
involving excessive stomach acid production. Esomeprazole may
also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
How To Use
Take esomeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do
not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass
(8 ounces) of water. Esomeprazole should be taken at least one
hour before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not
break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly in the body. If you have difficulty
swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can be added
to an empty bowl and the esomeprazole capsule can be opened, and
the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce.
The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed
immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft
enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not
be chewed or crushed. The pellet / applesauce mixture should not
be stored for later use. Do not stop taking esomeprazole even
if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before
the condition is fully treated. Store esomeprazole at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take
only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Over Dose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an esomeprazole
overdose include drowsiness, shortness of breath, tremor, loss
of coordination, and seizures.
Side Effects
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives), stop taking esomeprazole and seek emergency medical
attention. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to take esomeprazole and talk to your doctor
if you experience · headache; · diarrhea; ·
nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, or constipation; or ·
dry mouth. Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever
had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take esomeprazole,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
Esomeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that
it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take esomeprazole
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is
not known whether esomeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not
take esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. There are no restrictions on food,
beverages, or activities while taking esomeprazole, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines: · digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
· itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
· iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). You
may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may
also interact with esomeprazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |