Nexium (Esomeprazole): Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions

GENERIC NAME(s)— Esomeprazole Magnesium

BRAND NAME(s)— Nexium

DRUG CLASS— Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

What is Nexium?

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Nexium (Esomeprazole) is a medication which reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and peptic ulcer disease. It is taken by mouth or injection into a vein.

The medicine was patented in 1993 and approved for medical use in 2000. It is available as a generic medicine. (1)

How to Use?

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Use Esomeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions described on your prescription label. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Nexium (Esomeprazole) should be taken at least one hour before a meal. (2)

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Nexium Side Effects:

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Common Nexium side effects may include (1) (2) —

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain, gas, constipation
• Dry mouth

Call your doctor right away if you have (2) (3) —

• Severe stomach pain
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Seizure
• Joint pain
• Kidney problems — blood in the urine, swelling, urinating more or less, rapid weight gain
• Low magnesium in the blood — dizziness, irregular heart rate, tremors, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in the hands and feet, cough or choking feeling

Interactions:

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Some drugs may interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as (1) (2) (3) —

• St. John’s wort
• Cilostazol
• Clopidogrel
• Diazepam
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Digoxin
• Erlotinib
• Methotrexate
• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Rilpivirine
• Rifampin
• Tacrolimus
• Antifungal drug and medication — voriconazole, ketoconazole
• HIV/AIDS medication — nelfinavir, atazanavir, saquinavir
• Medicine containing iron such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate

Precautions:

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Before taking Esomeprazole, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about your medical history; especially of (2) (3) (4) —

• Liver disease
• Lupus
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood
• Bone conditions such as osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia)

It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

It is not clear if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor if you’re breast—feeding.

What Happens If I Missed a Dose?

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Take the medicine as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What Happens If I Take an Overdose?

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Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.

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