Usage

Nexium is a pill for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, also called heartburn or acid reflux. It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Take Nexium by mouth at least 1 hour before a meal or as directed by your doctor. Take each Nexium dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the Nexium tablets. If you cannot swallow the prescription Nexium medicine whole, open the tablet and sprinkle the contents into a tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot. Mix Nexium with the applesauce and swallow immediately without crushing or chewing. The granules from the Nexium tablet must be swallowed whole. Do not store the mixture for later use.

Chewing Nexium or storing it in a mixture with food can increase the side effects, destroy the medicine, or both.

Store Nexium at room temperature away from moisture and light.

Important

Inform your doctor of your medical history, including all allergies, especially drug allergies.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, high blood pressure or have difficulty swallowing.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor all prescription medications you are currently taking, including those available without a prescription. It is especially important that you tell your doctor if you are taking cilostazol, diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins with iron.

Precautions

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these serious side effects occur:

• throat pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• severe stomach pain
• chest pain
• loss of appetite or vomiting that looks like coffee-grounds.

In the unlikely event that you have an allergic reaction to Nexium, seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include

• severe rash
• hives
• breathing difficulties
• dizziness
• tightness of chest
• swelling of eyelids, face, throat, tongue or lips.

Side Effects

Nexium side effects include

• headache
• constipation or diarrhea
• nausea
• flatulence
• cough
• rash or dry mouth

Nexium side effects may subside as the body adjusts to Nexium. If they persist or are bothersome, contact your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take missed doses of Nexium as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is near the time of the next Nexium dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not take double doses of prescription Nexium.

Notes

Do not share prescription Nexium with others. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or frequency of Nexium. Use Nexium only for those conditions for which the doctor prescribed it. Keep Nexium and all medications out of the reach of children.