Drug Uses
 

GERD is caused to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Nexium reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach and thereby reduces the symptoms. It also cures the damage caused by reflux disease.

How it is taken

Nexium comes as an extended release (long acting) capsule to be consumed orally.

The general dosage for Nexium is a capsule a day, taken at least one hour before a meal.

It is recommended that you take the dosage at the same time everyday.

Swallow the capsule whole without breaking or crushing it. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can open the capsule, and the granules can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately.

Do not crush or chew the granules. Follow your doctor`s directions on your prescription label.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Nexium then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, shortness of breath, tremor, blurred vision, headache, nausea sweating, loss of coordination, and seizures are some typical symptoms of a Nexium overdose. Seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
 

Warnings/Precautions
You may not be able to take Nexium, or may need a dosage adjustment or monitoring during treatment if you have a liver disease. There have been reported serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions in patients on penicillin therapy.

If you have a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens these reactions are more likely to occur. Pseudo membranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clarithromycin and amoxicillin, and may range in severity from mild to life threatening.

It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.

Nexium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. Which means that animal–reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fatal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal–reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

It is not known if Nexium passes into breast milk. Therefore do not take Nexium without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Nexium are headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee ground vomit, an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing). 

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.