Nexium: Usage, Dosage, Side Effects and Interactions

Nexium is a prescription drug known to relieve stomach acidity and heart burn. It is frequently used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal (small intestines) ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also prescribed to heal erosive esophagitis that GERD can cause. The active ingredient in Nexium is bis (5-methoxy-2-[(S)-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole-1-yl) magnesium trihydrate, and it inhibits gastric acid secretion. Each Nexium capsule contains 20 mg or 40 mg of esomeprazole (present as 22.3 mg or 44.5 mg esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate) in the form of enteric-coated pellets with the following inactive ingredients: glyceryl monostearate 40-50, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres, talc, and triethyl citrate. The capsule shells have the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, D&C Red #28, titanium dioxide, shellac, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and D&C Yellow #10.

The generic name of Nexium is esomeprazole magnesium and it is manufactured by AstraZeneca. Approved for use by the FDA in 2001, Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Nexium is similar to omeprazole drugs like Prilosec and Prevacid, and works to block the enzymes in the stomach that cause acidity. By blocking the enzyme, acid production is decreased, and this lets the stomach and esophagus heal.

Available in tablet form of 20 and 40mg doses, Nexium is also prescribed in combination with antibiotics like Biaxin and Amoxil, to treat the infections causing duodenal ulcers. It is very important that you swallow Nexium whole and do not crush or chew it.

A well tolerated drug, Nexium does not cause many side effects. If any develop or change in intensity, it is important that you inform your doctor as soon as possible. The more common side effects of Nexium include:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Diarrhea &
• Headaches

Rare side effects may include:

• Nervousness
• An abnormal heartbeat
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Leg cramps and
• Water retention

However these side effects occur infrequently.

If Nexium gives you an allergic reaction, or if you have had an allergic reaction to Prilosec, you will not be able to use this drug. Nexium is also known to interact with other drugs; if you take the following drugs it is important to let your doctor know;

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Nexium can increase the concentration of diazepam (Valium) in the blood by decreasing its elimination in the liver. The absorption of certain other drugs may also be affected by stomach acidity, such as Nizoral or Lanoxin. However, Nexium has fewer drug interactions than omeprazole.

The effects of Nexium during pregnancy and breast feeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or breast feed, it is important that you let your doctor know.