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Common uses
Nexium (Esomeprazole) is
a proton pump inhibitor (ppi) used to treat heartburn, or
gastroesophageal reflux. It may be used in combination with two
antibiotics to treat helicobacter pylori (h. Pylori) infection and
duodenal ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Before using
Additional monitoring
of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cilostazol,
diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or
vitamins with iron. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Additional
monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver
disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do
not chew, or crush the capsule. Take this medicine at least 1 hour
before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have
difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle
the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the
applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should not be hot
and should be soft enough to swallow without chewing. Discard any
uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may be taken with
antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take antacids.
Store this medicine at
room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between
59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) is permitted. If you miss a
dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Before you begin
taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: if you plan on
becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of
using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine
is excreted in breast-milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side
effects
Side effects, that may
go away during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, or
diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience throat pain, chest
pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness,
blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating, flushing,
headache, and dry mouth.
Additional
information
If you are taking this
medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should
improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if
they become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine
with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine
for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of
children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time,
obtain refills before your supply runs out
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |