Is Nexium Good For Ulcers

More Blockbuster Drugs For Ulcers Prilosec Nexium And Other Proton

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3 More Blockbuster Drugs for Ulcers Prilosec, Nexium, and Other Proton-Pump Inhibitors

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Pharmacist Tips For Esomeprazole

Take esomeprazole with a full glass of water 1 hour before eating.

Over-the-counter esomeprazole should only be used for frequent heartburns . It can take 1 to 4 days for you to see the full effect. It should be taken for no more than 14 days. If your symptoms have not improved after 14 days, let your provider know.

Swallow esomeprazole capsules whole. Never chew or crush the medication. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, esomeprazole capsules can be opened and sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. This mixture should be swallowed immediately and not chewed.

If you’re using esomeprazole packets, empty the contents of the packet into a cup containing 15 mL of water. Don’t use kitchen spoons as they might not be accurate. Stir the mixture, and then let the mixture thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir and drink the mixture within 30 minutes of preparing. If you see any medication remaining in the cup, add more water, stir, and then drink immediately. If you need to use two packets at once, prepare the mixture in the same way with twice the amount of water , or as instructed by your provider.

Esomeprazole may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect how esomeprazole works. Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.

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What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment, especially if you have severe diarrhea.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking esomeprazole.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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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 you’ve 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 .

How To Take Nexium

Adults and children as young as 1 month of age can use Nexium. Depending on your treatment goals, you might take Nexium for anywhere from 10 days to up to six months .

Nexium comes in two different forms, each with specific indications and dosing instructions.

Delayed-Release Capsules

Take the delayed-release capsules at least one hour before a meal, usually once a day, in the morning. Swallow the capsules whole do not chew or crush them.

Children and adults who have trouble swallowing pills can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over applesauce and consume it that way. This must be taken right after mixing do not save for later use. Do not mix Nexium with any other food except applesauce. Other types of foods have not been evaluated with Nexium, so it is not known whether they might interfere with the drugâs absorption.

For patients with nasogastric feeding tubes, mix the contents of the Nexium capsule with 50 milliliters of water and inject it into the tube with a syringe. Specifically, instructions state it should only be administered this way with a catheter-tipped syringe.

Delayed-Release Granules

You can take Nexium delayed-release granules the same way as Nexium capsules. Mix the granules with water to create a liquid suspension.

The amount of water used to dissolve the granules varies by the dose:

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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:

• 24.65 mg
• 49.3 mg

Tablet delayed release

• 20 mg

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

Adult

Pediatric

Children under 1 month: Safety and efficacy not established

Children 1 month to 1 year

Children 1-12 years

Children over 12 years

Helicobacter Pylori Eradication

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Nexium

Accidentally taking more than the recommended dose of Nexium probably wonât cause you any harm.

However, a deliberate overdose of up to 2,400 mgâ60 times the maximum dose in adultsâhas been known to cause many of the same symptoms commonly associated with Nexium, but more severely.

Symptoms of a Nexium overdose include:

• Sleepiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Blurred vision

Treatment of a Nexium overdose is based on the symptoms. There are no antidotes for a PPI overdose, and procedures like hemodialysis cannot clear the drug from the bloodstream.

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Nexium Based Teatment Downsides:

A recent Dutch study that was conducted among 360,000 patients, found that taking nexium could put acid reflux patient at extremely high risk for pneumonia. Robert J.F. Laheij, the head of the research’s team, says that reducing the stomach’s germ-killing acids by means of nexium makes the patients more prone to the bacteria that cause pneumonia.

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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Complications Of Peptic Ulcers

Left untreated, peptic ulcers can result in severe complications and emergencies.

• Internal bleeding You can have bleeding in your stomach, esophagus, or duodenum when the ulcer opens a blood vessel. Ulcers can cause bleeding that occurs slowly over time or quickly, possibly resulting in hemorrhaging that can be life-threatening due to shock. Sometimes you may not notice a bleeding ulcer until you become anemic, a condition in which your body lacks red blood cells because of inadequate iron. This occurs when ulcers cause chronic, low-grade blood loss.
• A hole, or perforation, in the stomach wall You can develop a perforated ulcer, which means it has eaten through your stomach or intestinal wall.
• Obstruction This is when you have swelling or scarring related to your ulcer that is preventing your food from being digested properly.

The signs that you are having an ulcer emergency are:

• Blood in stool
• Blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Increasing pain
• Mental confusion
• Severe abdominal distension

If you think you or someone you know is having an ulcer emergency, seek immediate medical attention.

What Are The Side Effects Of Esomeprazole

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Kidney problems: Blood in your urine, rapid weight gain, urinating more or less than usual
• Low magnesium: Irregular heart rate, muscle cramps, tremors
• New or worsening symptoms of lupus: Joint pain, skin rash on your arms or cheeks that gets worse in the sunlight

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

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What Can I Take Instead Of Nexium

Other drugs in the same category of Nexium include Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid, and Aciphex. Consult your healthcare provider for a recommendation if Nexium is not working for you.

In addition to taking a PPI or another medication for your symptoms, you can make dietary changes. Some foods that can help reduce acid are bananas, melon, whole grains, yogurt, lean proteins, and green vegetables .

Also, try to avoid foods that are fried, high in fat, or spicy. Other irritating foods and drinks to avoid include pineapples, citrus fruit/juices, tomatoes/tomato products, garlic, onions, alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, chocolate, and mint. Keeping a food diary may help you to narrow down which foods and beverages help or hurt your symptoms.

Is Nexium Or Prilosec More Effective

In trials comparing standard doses of Nexium 40 mg and Prilosec 20 mg in patients with GERD symptoms, Nexium provided the most acid control out of all of the drugs. In another study, patients treated with Nexium experienced faster symptom relief than patients treated with Prilosec and other PPIs. Although Nexium may be more effective, both drugs are quite popular among prescribers.

The best medication is the one that works best for you, with the least amount of side effects. Consult your healthcare provider, who can help select the best drug for you based on your symptoms, medical condition, and other drugs you take that could interact with Nexium or Prilosec.

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Nexium Quick Remedy For Heartburn Acid Regurgitation And The Treatment Of Stomach Ulcers

Dr. med. André Sommer

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are often very uncomfortable for those affected. Nexium, a drug used to treat these symptoms, can help. It reduces the acidity of the gastric juice. That is why it is also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Nexium is also often used in combination with other medications as stomach protection to prevent complications in the stomach.

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. It’s important to use esomeprazole for the shortest duration that’s appropriate to treat your specific condition.

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Warnings Of Nexium And Prilosec

• Although the PPI may cause symptom relief, there could still be a malignancy. Consult your healthcare provider about the need for testing.
• Kidney problems may occur at any time. The PPI should be discontinued if kidney problems occur.
• PPIs can increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Patients should take the lowest dose for the shortest duration of time.
• PPIs may be associated with bone fractures . The risk is higher with higher doses, so patients should take the lowest dose of PPI for the shortest effective duration.
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported in patients taking PPIs.
• Long-term treatment may cause B-12 deficiency.
• Low magnesium may occur. It is rare and usually occurs in patients who have taken a PPI for over a year. Consult your healthcare provider about monitoring magnesium levels.
• PPI use is associated with an increased risk of fundic gland polyps, and the risk increases with long-term use. Patients should take the PPI for the shortest duration possible.

What About Diet And Stress

The idea that ulcers can be caused by taking over-the-counter pain relievers may come as a surprise to people who have long believed that diet and stress are major factors.

Dingell, a self-described junk food queen and Diet Coke addict, who typically drinks 10 to 12 bottles a day, said she anticipated being told by her doctors that she would need to make changes to her diet. But, experts said, the belief that certain foods and carbonated or acidic beverages can cause or worsen ulcers is a common misconception.

Either of those can cause abdominal pain for different reasons, Stevoff said. A lot of times, people equate their abdominal pain with having an ulcer.

Your gastrointestinal tract only has a limited amount of ways to express its displeasure, Staller said, such as nausea, vomiting, a sour stomach or indigestion, pain and bowel symptoms. It can be challenging for laypeople and doctors to determine whats causing symptoms, and its common to confuse another gastrointestinal malady, such as indigestion, with ulcers, he said. The vast majority of patients with indigestion that Staller performs endoscopies on dont have an ulcer when we look, he added.

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What Is Nexium

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor available to people with stomach acid-related conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease . In addition to treating GERD in adults and children, Nexium can help prevent stomach ulcers caused by medications, infection, and other causes.

Esomeprazole comes in delayed-release capsules, delayed-release granules, tablet form, and powder for oral suspension.

Nexium is available as a prescription medication. However, you can buy Nexium 24HR over the counter in a lower dosage form to treat frequent heartburn . It is also available in generic form.

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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What Are The Side Effects Of Nexium

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

As with all drugs, Nexium may cause side effects. Many of these side effects are mild and will resolve on their own as your body adapts to treatment. On occasion, Nexium can cause serious side effects. However, this usually occurs in people with other medical conditions.

Before starting Nexium, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including liver disease, kidney disease, or mineral and bone disorders like osteoporosis.

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 manufacturer’s 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.

Important: long-term use of esomeprazole may lead to low levels of magnesium in your blood. Initial signs this might be happening include feeling tired, dizzy or confused and an irregular heartbeat . Let your doctor know if you think this applies to you

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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