Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nexium Used For?
Nexium is a proton-pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. This helps relieve symptoms and allows healing to occur while maintaining normal food digestion.
Primary Uses
Nexium treats reflux oesophagitis (heartburn caused by stomach acid backing up into the food pipe), upper stomach symptoms from NSAID pain medications, peptic ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the rare Zollinger-Ellison syndrome where the stomach produces excessive acid, and bleeding peptic ulcers.
How It Works
Nexium works by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach, providing symptom relief and allowing healing to take place. This does not interfere with normal food digestion.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Nexium is addictive.
How to Take Nexium
Nexium should be taken at about the same time each day to help you remember. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Dosage Instructions
Tablets: Usually 20 mg or 40 mg once daily. Swallow whole with water – do not crush or chew. If you have trouble swallowing, dissolve in half a glass of non-carbonated water, stir gently, and drink within 30 minutes. Granules: Usually 10-20 mg daily. Empty sachet contents into appropriate amount of water (15 mL for 10 mg, 30 mL for 20 mg), stir, let thicken, stir again, and drink within 30 minutes.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- headache
- gas/wind
- stomach pain
- skin rash or itchy skin
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- mood changes or confusion
- muscle pain or weakness
- joint pain
- increased sweating
- sleep pattern changes
- fever
- increased bruising
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- severe skin reactions with rash, itching, redness, blistering, or peeling
- signs of liver inflammation including yellowing of skin or eyes
- feeling generally unwell with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- blood in urine
- increased or decreased urine output
- vomiting blood or food
- passing black (blood-stained) stools
- irregular heartbeat
- loss of consciousness
- severe skin reaction in sun-exposed areas with joint pain
Important Warnings
Before taking Nexium, inform your doctor about all medical conditions and medications you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Nexium
Do not use if you’re allergic to esomeprazole, any ingredients in Nexium, or other proton-pump inhibitors. Do not take with atazanavir or cilostazol as these medications will be affected by Nexium.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines/foods/dyes, liver problems, severe kidney problems, osteoporosis, or have had skin reactions to similar stomach acid-reducing medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It’s not known if Nexium is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not take unless your doctor determines the benefits outweigh the risks. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Nexium.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with Nexium or be affected by it. Always tell your healthcare providers you’re taking Nexium.
- atazanavir and nelfinavir (HIV medications)
- cilostazol (for intermittent claudication)
- ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole (antifungal medications)
- diazepam (anxiety medication)
- phenytoin (epilepsy medication)
- citalopram, clomipramine, imipramine (antidepressants)
- St John’s wort (herbal mood remedy)
- clarithromycin, rifampicin (antibiotics)
- warfarin, clopidogrel (blood thinners)
- digoxin (heart medication)
- methotrexate (arthritis/cancer medication)
- tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (organ transplant medications)
- erlotinib (cancer medication)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Nexium affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Nexium affects you.
Storage
Keep Nexium in the original blister pack or sachet until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Nexium, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most patients, Nexium relieves symptoms rapidly and healing is usually complete within 4 weeks.
Yes, Nexium can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
No, there is no evidence that Nexium is addictive.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
No, do not crush or chew Nexium tablets as they will not work properly. If you have trouble swallowing, dissolve the tablet in non-carbonated water instead.
Keep Nexium in the original packaging until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms return. Although Nexium can heal ulcers successfully, it may not prevent them from recurring at a later date.
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.