Nexium (esomeprazole)
NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium) – proton pump inhibitor drug commonly used to heal or prevent damage to the gastrointestinal tract from acid erosion. Specifically, esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase pump in the gastric parietal cell, blocking the final step in acid production.
FDA approved uses:
1. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
2. Reducing the risk of gastric ulcer associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3. H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of recurrence of duodenal ulcer.
4. Pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Available dosage forms: Delayed-Release Capsules – 20, and 40 mg. Delayed –Release Oral Suspension 2.5, 10, 20 and 40 mg.
Usual dosage: For GERD and risk reduction of NSAID associated gastric ulcer, Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) is usually prescribed to adults and children (12 y/o and over) in dosages of 20 or 40 mg daily. Pediatric dosage may be lower (10 mg start, 20 mg maximum). For pathological hypersecretory conditions, Nexium is usually prescribed at a dose of 40 mg twice daily. Duration of therapy varies by condition being treated. For eradication of H. pylori, Nexium 40 mg daily is prescribed along with Amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg for a total of 10 days.
Contraindications: Nexium should not be prescribed to patients with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to proton pump inhibitors, as angioedema and anaphylaxis have occurred.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of these medications: The most common side effects of Nexium include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, constipation and dry mouth. Somnolence has also been reported in pediatric patients aged 1-17 yrs. Abdominal pain, regurgitation, tachypnea, and increased ALT (a liver enzyme) have been reported in infants aged 1 month to 1 year.
Common drug interactions: Esomeprazole has been reported to interact with antiretroviral drugs for HIV – (atazanavir and nelfinavir are not recommended for concomitant use with esomeprazole); Also, it has been reported that esomeprazole may interact (mechanisms vary) with any of the following: ketoconazole, iron salts, erlotinib, digoxin (monitor for digoxin toxicity), clopidogrel, cilostazol, tacrolimus, and methotrexate.
Special instructions for patients: Take exactly as directed by physician, at least one hour before a meal. Antacids may be taken with this product and granules from the capsules may be mixed in applesauce for patients with swallowing difficulties. Tell the doctor or other health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as these may interact with esomeprazole.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer Purplepill.comor at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at FDA prescribing info for Nexium
var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-38645538-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();
Tags: Nexium, Nexium adverse events, Nexium adverse reactions, Nexium dose, what are the side effects of Nexium