Type of medicine: proton pump inhibitor (prevents acid production)
Generic and brand names: esomeprazole magnesium, oral; Nexium
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), and erosive esophagitis. It blocks the production of stomach acid. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
This medicine, along with certain antibiotics, may also be used to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.
This medicine is also used to treat gastric ulcers caused by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Take it for as long as directed, even if you feel better.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe this medicine along with an antibiotic. Take all medicines each day as prescribed.
This medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating. You may take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
Do not chew or crush the capsules. Swallow them whole. If you cannot swallow them, open them and sprinkle the contents on applesauce or yogurt. You may also mix the contents of the capsule with apple or orange juice (but not milk). Drink the mixture right away. Do not store it for later use.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: confusion, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, dry mouth, sweating.
This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea that does not improve, stomach pain, and fever. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse.
This medicine may cause low levels of magnesium in your blood. Talk with your provider about how often you should have blood tests while taking this medicine. This is very important if you take digoxin because low magnesium can increase your risk of serious side effects. Low magnesium can happen in some people who take this medicine for at least 3 months. If this happens, it is usually after a year of treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of low magnesium levels:
This medicine may increase your risk for fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine, especially if you take high doses or take this medicine for longer than 1 year. Talk with your provider about this.
Do not take this medicine for other conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.
Do not give this medicine to someone who has similar symptoms. It may make it hard to recognize other medical problems.
Drinking alcohol and smoking may increase acid in your stomach. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while you are taking this medicine.
It may take several days for your stomach pain to improve. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Yellow skin or eyes; dark urine; trouble breathing; severe rash; seizures; dizziness; irregular or fast heart beat; shaking; muscle weakness or cramps; spasms of the hands, feet, or voice box.
Other: Bloating, headache, nausea, gas, constipation, stomach pain, dry mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
