Nexium and its uses

Nexium, whose main ingredient is Esomeprazole, is sold under a multitude of other brand names and is used to treat dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, GERD, and other medical conditions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a condition, where stomach acid flows back and comes into contact with the food pipe; when this condition is left untreated, a number of complications can arise. Heartburn, which is one of the symptoms of GERD is reduced with the help of Nexium since the medication causes less stomach acid to be produced.

Helicobacter pylori infections, which are common cause for duodenal and peptic ulcer, are treated with Nexium in combination with antibiotics and the one to two-week therapy is one of the most widely used in these types of infections.

The main active ingredient has a mechanism of action that results in inhibition of ATPase (class of enzymes) in the gastric parietal cells, which in turn results in decreased gastric acid production.

The medication is available in 20mg and 40mg strength tablets and in some countries as multiple unit pellet system capsules.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

If you are allergic to Esomeprazole or any of the other ingredients of Nexium, you should not take the medication. When speaking to your doctor, inform him about all prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and vitamins that you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you suffer from serious liver and kidney diseases and if you have low levels of magnesium in your blood. Keep in mind that Nexium does not provide immediate heartburn relief, but is rather a longer-term acting medication that could treat the condition, causing the heartburn.

Longer-term usage of PPI (proton pipe inhibitors) increases the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fracture. The medication is deemed safe for pregnant women, but you should still inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The dosage and the duration of the therapy depends on the treated condition and you should take the pills as your doctor has directed. Do not take higher dose, keep the tablets in their original container, away from the reach of children, and dispose of the expired tablets in a safe manner.

Keep in mind that the symptoms of heartburn could resemble those of heart attack and in case of heavy chest pain, pain that spreads to the arms, nausea, and "heaviness" in the chest area, you should go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions are diarrhea, headache, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, gas, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.

In rare cases, severe allergic reactions, fast heartbeat, chest pain, dark urine, unusual bleeding, stomach pain, easy bruising, and tiredness are possible.

If you experience persistent or severe side effects, stop taking the medication and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Nexium (Esomeprazole) is known to interact with various medications and you should read the patient's insert or consult your doctor if you are unsure if it is safe to take Nexium in addition to the other drugs that you are using.