Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) type of drug which contains the active ingredient esomeprazole. The medicine is useful for treating peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, hyperacidity, etc.
Nexium reduces the acidity level and the volume of acid produced inside the stomach. The medicine is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). PPIs block certain processes in the cell walls of the stomach. When blocked effectively, the stomach produces less acid and thus helps treat symptoms such as hyperacidity, ulcers, heartburn and more.
Nexium reduces the acid levels inside the stomach and oesophagus. Hence, it helps cure several medical conditions like:
hyperacidity
peptic ulcers
heartburns
acid reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (known as GERD)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Nexium is available in the form of a capsule in strengths ranging from 10mg, 20mg and 40mg. This is a prescription-only medication which should be taken as per the doctor’s instructions for your medical condition.
The recommended usual dosage for different medical conditions is as follows:
For stomach infection or duodenal ulcer, 20mg tablets taken once a day for 4 weeks
For duodenal ulcer which is caused due to Helicobacter pylori bacteria, 20mg tablets taken twice a day for 10 days
For gastric ulcers, 40mg tablets taken once a day for 4-8 weeks
For GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, 20mg tablets taken once a day for 4 weeks
Swallow the medicine with a glass of water, atleast one hour before full meals.
Patients with the following conditions should use Nexium tablets with caution:
Severely reduced kidney function
Severely reduced liver function
Osteoporosis or a risk of developing osteoporosis (This medicine may increase the chances of weak or breaking bones)
Deficiency of Vitamin B12
People with high blood sugar levels (the medicine contains sucrose)
The medicine should not be used by:
Children and adolescents who are below the age of 18 years
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People who have rare heredity issues such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (the drug contains sucrose)
People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine
Common side effects
Headache
Stomach problems such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gas or stomach pain
Dry mouth
Dizziness or spinning sensation
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Pins and needles sensations
Skin rash, itching, hives or dermatitis
Excessive fluid retention and swelling of the legs and ankles
Nexium may have interactions with the following medicines:
benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam, triazolam or flurazepam
cilostazol
citalopram
digoxin
escitalopram
methotrexate
phenytoin
raltegravir
saquinavir
tacrolimus
blood thinners such as warfarin
Do not store Nexium tablets above 30°C. Store the medicine in its original package in order to protect it from moisture.
You can safely purchase Nexium online at MedsNow. Firstly, you will have an online consultation with one of our clinician. Post consultation, once the prescriber ensures that Nexium is the right medicine for you, your order will be supplied.
Is Nexium Safe To Take Every Day? Nexium should be taken only for as long as recommended by the doctor.
Is Nexium As Good As Omeprazole? Nexium (which contains esomeprazole) is known to be slightly more effective than omeprazole in controlling the symptoms of GERD.
Can Nexium Make Reflux Worse? Yes, this may happen as a rare side effect as per studies.
Can You Lay Down After Taking Nexium? It is recommended that you do not lie down as this may cause irritation inside the throat.
Does Nexium Cause Weight Gain? Yes, it is possible sometimes, it is a known side effect of the medicine.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Nexium? Do not stop taking the medicine as per your own wish, do so only when recommended by the doctor. It is possible that stopping the drug suddenly may trigger a reverse ‘rebound effect’.
Can Nexium Cause Liver Damage? Yes, Nexium may affect your livers. If you have existing liver problems, do consult your doctor before starting the medicine.