Esomeprazole

(es oh ME pray zol)

U.S. Brand Names

Nexium®

Canadian Brand Names

Nexium®

Mexican Brand Names

Nexium IV; Nexium-MUPS

Pharmacologic Category

Proton Pump Inhibitor; Substituted Benzimidazole

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to esomeprazole or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat heartburn.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat ulcers of the esophagus (swallowing tube).

• This medicine is used to treat syndromes caused by huge amounts of stomach acid.

How does it work?

• Esomeprazole prevents symptoms and damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach acid or infection.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine 1 hour before the first meal of the day.

Capsule:

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• You may sprinkle contents of capsule on soft food or liquid. Do not chew.

• Those who have feeding tubes can make a liquid. Empty contents of capsule into a syringe with 2 ounces of water. Replace plunger and shake for 15 seconds. Flush feeding tube before and after medicine is taken.

Granules:

• Mix granules with tablespoon of water; let sit for a few minutes. Mix and drink.

• Rinse with more water and drink.

Injection (I.V.):

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Severe belly pain.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store capsules and granules at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and granules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 12:20:50.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:09.0

Lexi-PALSTM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.