What is Nexium?

The drug nexium is derived from Prilosec (omeprazole) which contains a racemic mixture of the D- and L-forms or isomers of omeprazole. Nexium however contains only one of the isomers. This drug has been approved by the FDA to relief heartburn and other symptoms related with gastro esophageal-reflux or what is commonly known as GERD. It is also used in healing erosive esophagitis which is a more severe condition associated with GERD.

As a proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole suppresses gastric acid by specific inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. This is through acting specifically on the proton pump. Esomeprazole blocks the acid production in the stomach thus helping in reducing gastric acidity. This effect is dose-related to a daily dose of 20-40mg leading to the inhibition of gastric acid secretion. It is in oral suspension form with 10mg, 20mg, 40mg per packet. It is made of delayed-release capsules and other inactive granules.

The inactive granules are composed of dextrose, crospovidone, xanthan gum, citric acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose and iron oxide. These granules and esomeprazole granules are constituted with water forming as a suspension. This medication can be given orally or through nasogastric or gastric administration.

Recommended Nexium Dosage

Stomach acid is a condition in which one should not take lightly. If this is untreated right away, symptoms could go from bad to worse. If stomach acid is released into other parts of your body it can cause ulcers in your stomach and intestines not to mention creating a great damage in your esophagus. The best medication for this is what people call the Purple Pill or Nexium. This is given to reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces. In taking Nexium it is first important to follow exactly what your doctor has prescribed.   

This medication should be taken not more than four to eight weeks. If in any case you need an additional medication as your treatment, a prescription from your doctor must be given. Take your Nexium dosage with a full glass of water at least one hour before a meal. Take note that you should not eat anything right after taking this medication.

Swallow the Nexuim delayed-release capsule as whole. Do not chew or crush the capsule since it will only be releasing the medication. However, if you find it difficult to swallow the whole capsule, you can open it and sprinkle it on a spoonful of soft food (good example would be apple sauce) to make swallowing much easier for you.

For best results of Nexium, take it on a regular basis or as prescribed by your doctor. Other Nexium medication comes in IV and suspension form. If you decide to change into other Nexium forms, do consult your doctor first.  

Nexium Side Effects

Nexium comes in capsule, suspension and intravenous forms. According to its manufacturer, the most common side effects of Nexium are nausea, gas, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth and abdominal pain but since they are manufactured in different forms, some of the side effects may also vary. 

To understand the different side effects of each form, here are the most common side effects of Nexium: 

• Nexium I.V. – normal side effects could be dry mouth, drowsiness, gas, headache, pain, nausea, swelling or redness at the injection site and stomach pain. However, if severe allergic reactions occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible. SEVERE side effects are as follows – hives, itching, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, difficulty of breathing, tightness of the chest, bone pain, chills, dark urine, palpitations, sore throat, red or swollen blistered skin which may appear peeling at times, severe stomach ache, cramps or pain, unusual bruising or bleeding and lethargy.
• Nexium Delayed-Release Capsules – some of the severe side effects are rashes, hives, swelling of the mouth, lips, face or tongue, tightness of the chest, difficulty of breathing, bone pain, dark urine, fever or chills, persistent sore throat, severe diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness and itching.
• Nexium Suspension – severe allergic reactions such as hive, rashes, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, unusual hoarseness of the voice, chest pain, dark colored urine, persistent sore throat, red swollen tongue, severe diarrhea, fever and chills, severe cramps or stomach ache, lethargy and drowsiness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

If any unusual side effect emerges, do inform your physician as soon as possible or seek medical attention before it worsens. It is better to be cautious and prevent further damage, so be observant in watching out for these side effects. Not only will it save you money, it will also save your life.