How Long To Take Nexium For Ulcer

Gerd With Erosive Esophagitis

< 1 month: Safety and efficacy not established

1 month to 1 year

• 3.5 kg: 2.5 mg PO qDay for up to 6 weeks
• > 3.5-7.5 kg: 5 mg PO qDay for up to 6 weeks
• > 7.5 kg: 10 mg PO qDay for up to 6 weeks

1-12 years

• < 20 kg: 10 mg PO qDay for 8 weeks
• 20 kg: 10-20 mg qDay for 8 weeks

> 12 years

• 20-40 mg PO qDay for 4-8 weeks
• Maintenance: 20 mg PO qDay up to 6 months

Contraindicated

Serious – Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

What Is Esomeprazole And How Does It Work

Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems . It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors .

Esomeprazole is available under the following different brand names: Nexium, and Nexium 24HR

Dosages of Esomeprazole:

GERD Without Erosive Esophagitis

Adult:

• 20 mg orally once/day for 4 weeks consider an additional 4 weeks of treatment if symptoms do not resolve completely in the first 4 weeks

• Children under 1 year: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 1-12 years: 10-20 mg orally once/day for up to 8 weeks
• Children older than 12 years: 20-40 mg orally once/day for up to 8 weeks

Short-term treatment of GERD with erosive esophagitis when oral therapy is not possible or appropriate

• Children under 1 month: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 1 month to 1 year: 0.5 mg/kg intravenously once/day
• Children 1 year and older : 10 mg IV once/day
• Children 1 year and older : 20 mg IV once/day

GERD with Erosive Esophagitis

How Effective Are Heartburn Medications

The treatment of reflux disease is the most common reason proton pump inhibitors are prescribed. Reflux disease can be broadly classified into two types, once your stomach and oesophagus have been examined with a thin, flexible camera .

The first type is oesophagitis where there are clear erosions or swelling in the lower oesophagus indicative of acid damage. The other is non-erosive reflux disease, where there is no visible damage in the lower oesophagus from acid, but the patient still experiences reflux symptoms such as heartburn.

A study found these drugs were very effective for treating reflux disease, with eight weeks of therapy with standard dosing healing acid damage in more than 80% of patients.

Even for the non-erosive type of the disease, heartburn medication can be beneficial. An analysis of studies in this area found all of the different proton pump inhibitors at a dose of more than 5mg daily were effective in significantly improving symptoms in non-erosive reflux disease.

These drugs are also good at healing stomach ulcers. For patients on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, proton pump inhibitors have been shown to be more effective than other drugs in healing stomach ulcers.

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Low Vitamin B12 And Magnesium Levels

• Risk factors: Taking esomeprazole for a long period of time

Rarely, esomeprazole can cause low levels of blood magnesium or vitamin B12. This can happen with as little as 3 months of use, but more commonly occurs after youve been using esomeprazole for a year or more. Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to see if you need to take a vitamin or mineral supplement while taking esomeprazole .

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Nexium

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You should not use this medicine if:

• you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking esomeprazole in the past or
• you are allergic to esomeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe liver disease
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density or
• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How Safe Are They

A recent study followed 350,000 US veterans for more than five years and found a small increased risk of early death in those taking this kind of medication.

The study was well designed but could not completely eliminate other medical factors that could potentially be occurring in the study subjects. The risk of death was noted to increase the longer patients used proton pump inhibitors.

The relative risk for death was high when comparing two groups against each other. However the actual or absolute risk increase for death was small in the study.

Read more:What you need to know to understand risk estimates

This means, overall, there are more benefits to being on a proton pump inhibitor to heal severe reflux damage, heal a bleeding gastric ulcer or to prevent oesophageal cancer in the presence of other conditions than not being on the medication.

But the authors acknowledge the need to be careful about long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and to make sure they are indeed prescribed for a proper medical reason.

This study was just one of many safety concerns relating to long-term use of these drugs. But the majority of available data on safety are derived from studies that look at past data and dont fully take into account other medical conditions the study subjects mightve had, or prove that the medications actually caused any negative reported side effects.

Small Growths In The Stomach

• Risk factors: Taking esomeprazole for a long period of time

Rarely, esomeprazole can your risk for developing small growths or bumps in the stomach. These growths typically do not cause any symptoms. Its important to use esomeprazole for the shortest duration thats appropriate to treat your specific condition.

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Drug Interactions Of Nexium And Prilosec

Because Nexium and Prilosec are similar drugs with similar structures, they have similar drug interactions. PPIs should not be taken with antiretrovirals. Nexium or Prilosec could decrease levels of atazanavir or nelfinavir, so the antiretroviral would not properly, and the interaction could even cause drug resistance. On the other hand, taking saquinavir with a PPI has the opposite effect, increasing levels of saquinavir, which could lead to toxicity.

Combining Nexium or Prilosec with digoxin can increase levels of digoxin and lead to toxicity. Taking Nexium or Prilosec with warfarin can lead to increased levels of warfarin, which could cause bleeding or even death. Nexium or Prilosec can interact with Plavix , diazepam, cilostazol, and other drugs. This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions.

How Long After Zantac Can I Take Nexium

Zantac 150 and Nexium can be taken together or one after the other in any order, few minutes apart. They can also be taken after a few hours, also. This basically means that Znac 150 and Nexium can be taken with each other or separately, without any known consequences. There is so scientific evidence or research to show that there is a form of interaction between the two medications.Although there are no known interactions between the two drugs, there may be some suspected reactions that may take place and affect only a certain percentage of the population. These may be people having other underlying health conditions or some personal and medical issues. In your area, you may get different forms of this medication, chewable or the ones that you have to swallow.

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What Diseases Does Nexium Help With

If you have an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus caused by reflux disease, which has been diagnosed by gastroscopy, Nexium 40mg is used once a day for four weeks. This should improve your symptoms. Nexium 20mg is used once a day thereafter. This prevents the inflammation from occurring again. It may be the case that inflammation of the esophagus has not been demonstrated, but there are similar symptoms. Then you can use Nexium 20mg once a day to control the symptoms of the reflux disease. The drug is usually administered for four weeks in this case.

Nexium 20mg is also used once a day to prevent stomach ulcers from occurring due to long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. If long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs has already caused a stomach ulcer, this is also treated with Nexium 20mg once a day for a period of 4-8 weeks. If you have a diagnosed stomach ulcer with the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacterium, Nexium 20mg in combination with several antibiotics is used twice a day for seven to 14 days.

With relatively rare Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a tumor leads to increased acidity in the gastric juice. The symptoms of the disease can be controlled by taking 40 mg of Nexium twice a day or using an individually adjusted dose.

Resposta Exata: Quase Imediatamente

Zantac 150 é o nome comercial da ranitidina. Pertence à classe de drogas dos antagonistas H2. É usado principalmente para tratar DRGE, profilaxia de úlcera duodenal, síndrome de Zollinger-Ellison, etc. Nexium é o nome comercial do esomeprazol. Pertence à classe de drogas dos inibidores da bomba de prótons. É usado para tratar problemas esofágicos e intestinais, incluindo refluxo ácido de Barett esôfago, Esofagite erosiva, etc. Não há interação química conhecida entre as drogas, Zantac e Nexium. Isso não implica que não haja reações, simplesmente significa que nenhuma foi encontrada com evidências ainda.

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What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bone pain

• stomach pain
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Taking Esomeprazole With Other Medications

Tell your GP or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines before you take esomeprazole.

Always tell your GP or pharmacist that you are on esomeprazole before taking new medicines.

Tell your GP if you’re taking these medicines, or any other medicine:

• digoxin

For a full list of medicines to avoid mixing see the leaflet inside your esomeprazole packet.

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What May Interact With This Medicine

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• atazanavir

• tacrolimus
• vitamin B12

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What Are The Main Differences Between Nexium And Prilosec

Nexium is known by its generic name of esomeprazole, and Prilosec is known by its generic name of omeprazole. The generic names sound similar for a reasonesomeprazole is a chemical isomer of omeprazole. Both drugs are made up of the same chemicals but are arranged in different ways.

Both Nexium and Prilosec are available in brand and generic, and as prescription drugs and over-the-counter as Nexium OTC and Prilosec OTC. The dosage and length of treatment vary by age and the condition being treated.

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Warnings For Other Groups

For pregnant women: There havent been enough studies done in humans to be certain how esomeprazole magnesium might affect a fetus.

Talk to your doctor if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

For women who are breastfeeding: Esomeprazole magnesium may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For children: Esomeprazole magnesium hasnt been studied in children younger than one month.

When to call the doctor

Let your doctor know if you start taking any other drug. Your doctor will check to make sure your new drug will work with esomeprazole magnesium. Also tell your doctor if you still have symptoms of increased stomach acid even though youre taking this drug.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Is Nexium Safe

In general, Nexium is tolerated well by most patients and side effects are mild. All medications have a risk of side effects, so no medication can be 100% safe for all people. While there is a risk of side effects, the benefits outweigh the risk for some patients.

Speak to your doctor about whether Nexium is safe for you. This may be based on the medications you are taking, your preexisting conditions and whether or not the benefit you may get from the medicine outweighs potential risks.

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How To Take It

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

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Can Esomeprazole Cause Problems

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with esomeprazole. You will find a full list in the manufacturers information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

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I Am Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

As there is insufficient data on the use of Nexium during pregnancy, it should not be used for safety reasons. If there is a need to use a proton pump inhibitor during pregnancy, you should use omeprazole. If you are breastfeeding your child at the moment, you should also avoid Nexium, as it is not known whether the drug can pass into breast milk and whether it affects your child’s development.

How Was Your Experience With Nexium

Nexium is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease . Nexium may also be prescribed to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus , and to help continue this healing. Nexium is also used to prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs and H. Pylori bacteria, and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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What Form Does This Medication Come In

Each two-piece hard gelatin capsule with opaque amethyst body and cap, with the cap marked with two yellow stripes printed radially and body marked “NEXIUM 20 mg” printed radially in yellow, contains 20 mg of esomeprazole. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, D& C Red No. 28, FD& C Blue No. 1, FD& C Red No. 40, gelatin, glyceryl monostearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, pharmaceutical ink, polysorbate 80, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.

When To Stop Taking Nexium

Patients shouldnt stop taking prescription Nexium before talking to their medical provider. Stopping medication suddenly may lead to Nexium withdrawal symptoms and could make existing stomach problems worse.

Many Nexium side effects are mild and may go away after your body gets used to the medication. If you experience a serious side effect, such as an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately.

If you want to stop taking Nexium, discuss your treatment goals with your doctor. Review the medicines you are currently taking and check to see if any are still necessary. Ask your doctor whether there are alternatives to taking PPIs, such as H2 blockers, antacids or lifestyle changes. Keep in mind that you may need to see your doctor several times to reduce your dose.

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So How Should They Be Used

Proton pump inhibitors are widely prescribed drugs and in many countries are available over the counter. Evidence suggests that up to 70% of use may be inappropriate. Medically appropriate reasons for taking these drugs long-term include Barretts oesophagus, severe oesophagitis and in cases where there is a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Once these drugs are prescribed theyre rarely deprescribed. Patients can remain on them for many years, often without the initial medical reason for prescribing being revisited.

Proton pump inhibitors should only be taken when medically appropriate, and for as short a time as possible. In the case of non-erosive reflux disease, dosages can be successfully reduced and even withdrawn in the majority of patients over time. When the drug is stopped, recurrence of symptoms should be monitored.

If ongoing use of a proton pump inhibitor is required in reflux disease for symptom relief then it should be used at the lowest dose or as required. But overall, the benefits of proton pump inhibitors outweigh the potential risks in most patients that have a relevant and appropriate medical need.