Nexium (Esomeprazole) belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. Nexium (Esomeprazole) helps treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, certain bacteria in the stomach, and inflammation of the esophagus. This medication works by preventing the production of acid in the stomach. It may also be prescribed to decrease the chance of developing gastric ulcers caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Nexium (Esomeprazole) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Nexium (Esomeprazole) comes as a tablet. Take this medication atleast 1 hour before a meal. Take Nexium at the same time every day. Do not crush or chew them, swallow it whole. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Always use Nexium (Esomeprazole) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Nexium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

To ensure Nexium is safe to use, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• severe liver disease;

• lupus;

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density; or

• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking nexium, call your doctor.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Contact your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• Severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
• Seizure (convulsions).
• Kidney problems - urinating more or less than usual, blood in your urine, swelling, rapid weight gain.
• Low magnesium - dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling.
• New or worsening symptoms of lupus - joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

 Common Nexium side effects may include:

• Headache, drowsiness.
• Mild diarrhea.
• Nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation.
• Dry mouth.  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking Nexium?

This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.