Nexium

How does it work?

Nexium tablets and injection contain the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. It acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.

Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid.

Acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. However, in the condition known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, this acid is allowed to flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus), where it causes pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. The acid can also irritate and cause inflammation of the lining of the foodpipe (reflux oesophagitis).

Esomeprazole reduces the production of stomach acid and thus reduces acid flowing back into the foodpipe. It is used to relieve the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, such as heartburn. It is also used to treat reflux oesophagitis, because stopping the acid flowing back into the foodpipe allows the lining of the foodpipe to heal. Esomeprazole is also used for the long-term management of people with healed oesophagitis, as suppressing the production of stomach acid helps prevent this condition recurring.

Esomeprazole is also used to treat ulcers in the stomach or upper intestine (peptic ulcers) that are associated with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This type of bacteria is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. The bacteria cause the stomach to produce too much acid, which irritates the lining of the stomach and upper intestine and causes ulcers.

Esomeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the gut. The esomeprazole creates an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can work effectively against the H pylori bacteria. The reduced acid in the gut allows the ulcer to heal, and both actions help prevent the ulcer from recurring.

Esomeprazole can also be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat arthritis, for example diclofenac.

What is it used for?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Treatment and prevention of peptic ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the gut (in combination with antibiotics), which helps peptic ulcers to heal and prevents them from recurring.

Warning!

Nexium tablets should be swallowed whole; do not chew or crush them. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets whole they can be dispersed in a glass of still water. Stir until the tablets disintegrate. The mixture will not be clear, as it will contain solid granules from the tablet. These should not be crushed or chewed, as they contain the medicine and are covered with a special coating. Drink the mixture immediately or at least within 30 minutes (stir again before drinking). To ensure you have taken all the medicine rinse the glass with water and drink. Do not use any other liquid to disperse the tablets, as this may affect the medicine.

Stomach cancer can have similar symptoms to stomach ulcers, and these symptoms can also be relieved by esomeprazole. For this reason, if your doctor thinks you have a stomach ulcer, they should make sure you don't have stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. Otherwise, this medicine could mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay the diagnosis. This is particularly important if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms.

Treatment with this medicine may lead to a slightly increased risk of stomach infections such as salmonella, due to the decreased acidity in the stomach.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function.

Not to be used in

Children

Breastfeeding

Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (Nexium tablets contain sucrose).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been fully established. It should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known of this medicine passes into breast milk. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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