Nexium Acid Reflux
February 4, 2010 in Digestion Basics
Nexium is a popular prescribed drug for Acid reflux disease. The drug gives relief from persistent heartburn and also heal the damaged esophagus because of acid reflux. The generic name for the Nexium drug is Esomeprazole.
It is generally given for a period of 4 to 8 weeks to heal the injured esophagus. The drug is also prescribed with other medications to prevent ulcers in stomach. Its working depends on decreasing the production of stomach acid.
Benefits of Nexium:
- The manufacturer of Nexium is AstraZeneca.
- According to its manufacturer, one pill of Nexium gives relief from heartburn in acid reflux patients for 24 hours.
- It is a drug that works on proton pump inhibitor mechanism. It decreases the production of acid in the stomach.
Side-effects of Nexium:
Like other medicines, Nexium also causes side-effects as-
- constipation
- nausea
- headache
- diarrhea
- gas
- dry mouth
- stomach pain
If you take this pill and feel any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor as it can cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can be blisters, itching, rash, difficult breathing, swallowing, hoarseness and face swelling.
How To Take Nexium:
- It comes in oral suspension in the form of capsule.
- It comes in two dosages, 20mg and 40 mg.
- Your doctor will prescribe the dose, which best suits you.
- Swallow the capsule with water and do not chew it.
- To consume it orally, empty the packet in a glass with a tablespoon of water, stir and let it remain in this position for 2 to 3 minutes.
- When it gets thickened, stir again and drink.
- Immediately tell your doctor about any side-effects.
Precautions Taking Nexium:
Tell your doctor about your medical history, before taking this medicine.
- If you have a lever or heart disease.
- When you become pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is not yet known whether the drug passes to an unborn baby or in breast milk.
- It can also interact with other drugs. So your doctor must be aware of other medicines you are taking.
- Plavix, Valium, iron, Viracept and Coumadin drugs can have negative interaction with Nexium.