What is the most important information I should know about Nexium?

Do not use Nexium if you have an allergy to a benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to use Nexium or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

Do not crush, break or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

What is Nexium?

Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and also to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Nexium may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Nexium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Nexium?

Do not use Nexium if you have an allergy to a benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza) or mebendazole (Vermox).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to use Nexium or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Nexium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Nexium?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. This medicine is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Nexium should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, break or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

You may open the delayed-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

Nexium can be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a 60-milliliter syringe. Mix in 50 milliliters of water. Place the plunger into the syringe and shake the mixture well. Make sure there are no medicine granules stuck in the tip of the syringe. Attach the syringe to the NG tube and push the plunger down to empty the syringe into the tube. Then flush the tube with more water to wash the contents down.

It is important to use Nexium regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

Store Nexium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Nexium overdose include confusion, drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, sweating, flushing, shortness of breath, tremor, loss of coordination or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Nexium?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activities while taking Nexium, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Nexium?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

headache;

diarrhea;

nausea, stomach pain, gas, 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.

What other drugs will affect Nexium?

Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

diazepam (Valium);

itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or

iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Nexium or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Nexium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.