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Esomeprazole
Brand
Name: Nexium
Most
Common Medical Uses
Esomeprazole
is most commonly used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions involving
excessive stomach acid production. Esomeprazole may also be used
for purposes other than those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
esomeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain them
to you. Each dose should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of
water. Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not break or chew the capsules.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly
in the body. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet
/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. Do not
stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives),
stop taking esomeprazole and seek emergency medical attention. Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take esomeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience headache;
diarrhea; nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation or dry
mouth. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease
prior to taking esomeprazole. If you have, you may be unable to
take esomeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring. If you are pregnant, or breast-feeding, talk to your
doctor before taking esomeprazole.
Drug
Interactions
Before
taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); itraconazole
(Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron,
Fergon, Femiron, others). You may not be able to take esomeprazole,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if
you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with esomeprazole. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember if it is within an hour
or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Continue taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Do not
break or chew the capsules. They are specially formulated to release
slowly in the body. Do not share Nexium with others for whom it
was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively
treated by this drug.
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