Nexium Intravenous (Esomeprazole Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nexium Intravenous Used For?
Nexium IV contains esomeprazole sodium and is used when you cannot take tablets by mouth. It helps treat serious stomach and digestive problems by reducing stomach acid production.
Primary Uses
Nexium IV treats reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux disease causing heartburn), bleeding peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, and upper digestive symptoms caused by NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain medications). It may also help prevent NSAID-caused ulcers.
How It Works
Nexium IV is a proton-pump inhibitor that works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. This gives relief from symptoms and allows healing to take place while still allowing normal food digestion.
Good to know: In most patients, Nexium IV relieves symptoms rapidly and will be replaced with oral treatment as soon as you are well enough to swallow.
How to Take Nexium Intravenous
Nexium IV must only be given by a nurse or doctor in a medical setting. It cannot be self-administered at home.
Dosage Instructions
Nexium IV can be injected into a vein over at least 3 minutes for adults, or given as a slow infusion over 10 to 30 minutes for adults or children. In adults, it may be infused slowly over a longer period of up to 3 days. Your doctor will determine the best dose and timing based on your specific condition and experience with the medication.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive Nexium IV, call your doctor right away to reschedule. It is very important that you do not miss a dose of this medicine.
Important: Do not stop treatment with Nexium IV unless you have discussed this with your doctor first.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- constipation
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- headache
- gas/wind
- stomach pain
- skin rash or itchy skin
- injection site reactions (redness, discomfort, swelling)
- dizziness
- dry mouth
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- muscle pain or weakness, joint pain
- pins and needles sensation
- changes in sleep patterns
- fever
- mood changes, confusion or depression
- increase in breast size (males)
- increased bruising
- increased sweating
- hair loss
- changes in vision
- tremor
- yellowing of eyes and skin
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- severe skin reaction with rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling, possibly with high fever and joint pains
- blood in urine
- increased or decreased urine output
- skin reaction in sun-exposed areas with joint pain
- muscle twitching or jerking movements
- irregular (fast or slow) heartbeat
- loss of consciousness or awareness
Important Warnings
Before receiving Nexium IV, make sure your healthcare team knows about all your medical conditions and medications.
Who Should Not Take Nexium Intravenous
Do not use Nexium IV if you are allergic to esomeprazole sodium, any ingredients in the medication, or any proton-pump inhibitor medicines. Do not use if you are taking atazanavir or cilostazol. Signs of allergic reaction include skin rash, difficulty breathing, hay fever, or feeling faint.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, any other medical conditions (especially liver disease), have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, or have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with stomach acid-reducing medicines similar to Nexium IV.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Nexium IV if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it’s necessary. It is not known if Nexium IV is safe during pregnancy or if it passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits involved.
Children Under 1 Year: Nexium IV is not approved for use in children less than 1 year of age.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Nexium IV and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines you are taking.
- atazanavir and nelfinavir (HIV medicines) – do not use together
- cilostazol (intermittent claudication medicine) – do not use together
- phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- warfarin and clopidogrel (blood clot prevention)
- diazepam (anxiety medicine)
- ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole (antifungal medicines)
- citalopram, clomipramine and imipramine (depression medicines)
- St John’s wort (herbal mood remedy)
- clarithromycin, erythromycin and rifampicin (antibiotics)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- methotrexate (arthritis and cancer medicine)
- tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (organ transplant medicines)
- erlotinib (cancer medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Nexium IV affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Nexium IV affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or other side effects that could impair your ability to operate machinery safely.
Storage
Nexium IV will be stored by your doctor or pharmacist under the recommended conditions. It should be kept in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of reach of children. The solution will only be used if it is clear, the package is undamaged, and the expiry date has not passed. Each vial is for single use only and any remaining contents will be safely discarded.
Overdose Information
Since Nexium IV is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any serious side effects or allergic reactions during treatment, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Call your doctor straight away if you have serious allergic reactions including swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most patients, Nexium IV relieves symptoms rapidly. Your doctor will monitor your progress and switch you to oral treatment as soon as you are well enough to swallow.
Nexium IV is only used when you are unable to take tablets by mouth, such as when you have severe digestive problems, bleeding ulcers, or cannot eat or drink.
Do not use Nexium IV if you are pregnant unless your doctor determines it’s necessary. It is not known if Nexium IV is safe during pregnancy or may affect your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, any allergies, medical conditions (especially liver disease or osteoporosis), and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Also mention if you’ve had skin reactions to similar stomach acid medicines.
Do not stop treatment with Nexium IV unless you have discussed this with your doctor first. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on your condition.
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you don’t feel well while receiving Nexium IV. For serious side effects like difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe skin reactions, tell your doctor immediately.
The dosage and frequency depend on your specific condition. Your doctor will determine the best treatment schedule for you and may give it over 3+ minutes, 10-30 minutes, or even over several days for adults.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.