What Other Medications Interact With Nexium
Nexium has several drug-drug interactions, some of which are more significant than others.
Nexium can interact with:
You can avoid some of these interactions by separating the doses by several hours. Others may require a dose adjustment, a drug substitution, or the temporary discontinuation of one of the drugs.
To avoid interactions, always tell your healthcare team about any drugs you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal, nutritional, or recreational drugs.
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.
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
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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 Medications Are Similar
Nexium is one form of esomeprazole, called esomeprazole magnesium. Another form, called esomeprazole strontium, has a similar mechanism of action but is available by prescription only and is not used in children.
There is also an intravenous form, called Nexium IV , that is injected into a vein of adults or children who cannot take the medication by mouth or have a bleeding ulcer caused by endoscopy.
Beyond Nexium, there are five other PPIs approved for use by the FDA:
Like Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec are both available over the counter. There is also a drug called Zegerid that combines omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate to better relieve heartburn symptoms.
Although all PPIs work in similar ways, Nexium has the longest drug half-life overall. This means that it stays in your system longer than some of the other PPIs. It has also proven to be better than other PPIs at suppressing stomach acid.
On the downside, taking Nexium with food decreases the amount of the drug your body absorbs compared with a drug like Dexilant, which is why you should take Nexium on an empty stomach. Dexilant has fewer side effects but is more costly than any of the other.
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How Should I Use This Medication
The recommended dose of esomeprazole to treat reflux esophagitis and symptoms of GERD is 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, treatment may be continued at a dose of 20 mg once daily.
To treat NERD or heartburn, the recommended dose is 20 mg taken once daily for 2 to 4 weeks. After this, esomeprazole may be taken at a dose of 20 mg once daily as needed to control symptoms.
To treat stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use, the dose is 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. To prevent such ulcers, the dose is 20 mg once daily.
To treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori in adults, the dose of esomeprazole is 20 mg twice daily taken with amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily – all for 7 days.
The initial dose to treat acid over-production with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, is 40 mg taken by mouth, twice a day. The dose that relieves the over-secretion of acid varies depending on the person.
For children 12 months to 11 years of age, the recommended dose of esomeprazole to treat reflux esophagitis is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. For NERD , the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.
For children 11 to 17 years of age, the recommended dose of esomeprazole to treat reflux esophagitis is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. For NERD , the recommended dose is 20 mg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Prescription esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease , a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Prescription esomeprazole is used to treat damage from GERD in adults and children 1 month of age and older. Prescription esomeprazole is used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults with GERD. Prescription esomeprazole is also used to decrease the chance that people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will develop ulcers in adults. It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria in adults. Prescription esomeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. Nonprescription esomeprazole is used to treat frequent heartburn in adults. Esomeprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
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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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When You Start Taking Esomeprazole
You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days.
It may take up to 4 weeks for esomeprazole to work properly. You may still have symptoms during this time.
The dose of your medicine depends on your condition. Your GP may increase or decrease your dose.
You might only take esomeprazole for a few weeks or months. But it will depend on your illness. You may need to take it for longer, even for many years.
You can get lower strength esomeprazole from a pharmacy. If you don’t get any relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms after 2 weeks, talk to your GP.
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Side Effects Of Nexium
The predominant side effects from taking Nexium include headache and nausea. Serious side effects include kidney damage and bone fractures.
Common side effects of Nexium include:
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea and flatulence
Infants who take Nexium may experience abnormal liver enzymes, rapid breathing and regurgitation. Children who take Nexium may get drowsy.
Nexium may cause other side effects beyond those listed here. Contact your doctor if you experience after-effects that interfere with your quality of life or that do not go away.
What Is Nexium Used For
Nexium is indicated to treat or prevent certain conditions caused by the excessive production of stomach acid, specifically:
- GERD: A chronic disorder characterized by reflux, regurgitation, heartburn, coughing, hoarseness, chest pain, and trouble swallowing
- NSAID-associated peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers caused by the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Advil , and Aleve
- H. pylori eradication: Prevention of the recurrence of ulcers in patients undergoing antibiotic therapy to eradicateH. pylori
- Hypersecretory disorders: Rare digestive disorders like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that result in the overproduction of stomach acid
Adults can use Nexium for:
- Four to eight weeks to treat GERD symptoms
- Up to six months to reduce the risk of NSAID-associated stomach ulcers
- Treatment of H. pylori
- Long-term treatment of conditions that cause too much stomach acid production
Nexium can also be used in children and adolescents 1 year to 17 years of age for up to eight weeks to treat GERD. Children ages 1 month to less than 1 year can take Nexium for up to six weeks only to treat GERD with acid-related damage to the esophagus. However, in children less than 1 year old, studies showed it was not more effective than placebo after four weeks of treatment.
OTC Nexium 24HR is indicated for adults with frequent heartburn.
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Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bone health: Studies suggest that the use of esomeprazole, like other PPIs, may be related to an increase risk of fractures, particularly for people who take this medication for a year or longer. The lowest dose of this medication to control the symptoms, taken for the shortest period of time, is less likely to cause these problems.
Diarrhea: When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience watery, foul-smelling bowel movements after starting to take esomeprazole, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Esomeprazole may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood to change while taking this medication. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps dry mouth numb hands, feet, or lips or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 1 year of age.
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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Can I Use Nexium Or Prilosec While Pregnant
There is not enough information to generally say if you can take Nexium or Prilosec while pregnant. Consult your OB-GYN whether it is safe to take Nexium or Prilosec if you are pregnant. If you are already taking one of these medications, and find out that you are pregnant, consult your OB-GYN for guidance.
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Can A Peptic Ulcer Come Back
Yes, a peptic ulcer can come back. If you smoke or take NSAIDs, peptic ulcers are more likely to come back. If you need to take an NSAID, your doctor may switch you to a different medicine or add medicines to help prevent a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer disease can return, even if you have been careful to reduce your risk.
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.
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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 childâs development.
Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Nexium Vs Prilosec
Both Nexium and Prilosec are usually covered by insurance and Medicare Part D. Usually, the prescription generic version is covered. The OTC versions are usually only covered under certain insurance. Copays vary by plan.
The out-of-pocket price for 30 capsules of generic Nexium 40 mg can be over $300. You can pay under $50 by using a SingleCare card at participating pharmacies
The out-of-pocket price for 30 capsules of generic Prilosec 20 mg averages $50 or more. With a SingleCare omeprazole coupon the price starts at $15 depending on which pharmacy you use.
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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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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 youre using esomeprazole packets, empty the contents of the packet into a cup containing 15 mL of water. Dont 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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