|
|
|
Nexium |
|
|
What is Nexium and why is it prescribed? Nexium relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also prescribed to heal the damage that reflux disease can cause. Prescribed in combination with the antibiotics Biaxin and Amoxil, Nexium is also used to treat the infection that causes most duodenal ulcers. Like its sister drug Prilosec, Nexium works by reducing the production of stomach acid. Nexium comes in delayed-release capsules that should be swallowed whole. Be sure to avoid crushing or chewing the capsules. How should you take Nexium? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nexium. Take Nexium at least one hour before meals. Be careful to swallow it whole. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the capsule and carefully pour the pellets onto one tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot. Mix in the pellets, then swallow the applesauce immediately, without chewing. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Nexium at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Nexium side effects? Nexium side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nexium side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. Rare Nexium side effects may include abnormal sense of smell, acne, allergic reaction, anemia, apathy, back pain, black stools, blood disorders, blood in urine, burping, change in bowel habits, chest pain, chills, confusion, constipation, coughing, cramps, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth, ear infection, earache, enlarged abdomen, enlarged thyroid gland, eye infection, facial swelling, fast or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, flushing, frequent or increased urination, fungal infections, general feeling of illness, hernia, hiccups, high blood pressure, hives, hot flushes, impotence, inability to sleep, increased appetite, indigestion, itching, leg and body swelling, liver problems, loss of appetite, loss of taste, lymph node problems, menstrual problems, migraine, mouth and throat problems, nausea, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, painful joints and muscles, painful urination, prickly or burning sensation, rash, rectal problems, rigidity, ringing in the ears, runny nose, sensitivity to touch, sinus problems, sleep disorders, sleepiness, sore throat, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, stomach upset, sweating, swelling, taste changes, thirst, tremors, urinary tract infection, vaginitis, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, weight changes, worsening of arthritis, worsening of asthma, and worsening of depression. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nexium? If Nexium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nexium with Diazepam (Valium), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels), or Ketoconazole (Nizoral). There's no problem, however, with combining antacids and Nexium; no unwanted interaction will result. Are there any special warnings about Nexium? The antibiotics prescribed in conjunction with Nexium for the treatment of ulcers have occasionally been known to cause severe side effects and life-threatening allergic reactions. If you've been prescribed this combination, be sure to check the entries on Amoxil and Biaxin for more information. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
