Directions for Nexium

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that helps with heartburn and can help heal damage to the esophagus caused by heartburn and acid reflux. A PPI is a group of drugs that have a sole purpose of lowering gastric acid production, which causes heartburn. Heartburn is not only painful and uncomfortable, it can also be damaging to the lining of the esophagus. Whatever method your doctor prescribes, it is important to take for your health and comfort. Follow Nexium directions from the package and your doctor precisely. Not following these directions can be harmful.

Delayed-Release Capsules

• The mildest of the Nexium system, these capsules should be taken once daily, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. For healing erosive esophagitis, use for four to eight weeks, again checking in with your doctor for the proper time to stop or continue treatment. For gastroesophageal reflux disease, use these capsules once daily for only four weeks. If your doctor says you have a high risk for a gastric ulcer, you can take these up to six months, once per day. If you have conditions from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, take twice per day. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterized by tumors and ulcers in the duodenum and pancreas.

Delayed-Release Oral Suspension

• Use with the same frequency as the delayed-release capsules for different conditions. Oral Suspension is meant for older adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Use the oral suspension by putting it in applesauce or juice and ingesting on the frequency stated with the capsules.

IV for Injection

• The intravenous injection of Nexium is for those who have difficulty with the above stated methods. For those suffering from Erosive Esophagitis, use once daily. For those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, use for 10 days.

Safety Information and Tips

• Nexium.com (see the link in Resources) offers some safety information to consider:

  In adults, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain are the most frequent adverse effects reported.

  Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and somnolence are the most frequent adverse effects reported in pediatric patients (ages 1 to 17).

  Other ways to help manage heartburn and reflux, according to nexium.com, include:

  If symptoms continue to develop after eating, start reducing the size of your meals and stay away from fatty foods.

  Other things to avoid if you suffer from symptoms include caffeine (coffee, tea, and colas), alcohol, spicy foods and chocolate.