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Using Nexium as a Cure for Acid Reflux

Nexium is a prescription medication used to treat acid-reflux disease. Nexium works to relieve persistent heartburn and also helps to heal damage that has been done to your esophagus because of acid reflux. Nexium is usually only given for a period of four to eight weeks, which is the length of time required to heal your esophagus if the medication is going to be effective.

  1. Benefits

    • AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Nexium, states that many people with acid reflux report that one Nexium pill each day relieves their heartburn for 24 hours. Nexium is a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor. It decreases the amount of acid made in your stomach. Your stomach still produces enough acid to digest your food properly. AstraZeneca also states that in clinical tests nine out of 10 people with erosions in their esophagus caused by acid reflux were healed successfully. Most erosions were healed within four to eight weeks.

    Side Effects

    • Nexium may cause side effects just like any other medication. Some of these include diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, constipation, dry mouth and stomach pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away, as you could be having an allergic reaction such as itching, rash, blisters, hives, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling around the face and hoarseness.

    How to Take

    • Nexium is supplied as a capsule and an oral suspension. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water; do not crush it or chew it. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, open the capsule and empty the medication into a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow it immediately without chewing. To take the oral suspension, empty the packet into a glass along with a tablespoon of water. Stir and let sit for two to three minutes. When the medication has thickened, stir it again and drink. Nexium comes in two dosages, 20 mg and 40 mg. Your doctor will decide which dose is best to start with. Let him know of any side effects you experience in case the dosage needs to be adjusted.

    Precautions

    • Let your doctor know if you have a history of heart disease or liver disease. Your doctor may want to monitor you with tests while taking Nexium. It is not yet known if Nexium passes to an unborn baby or into breast milk. Let your doctor know if you become pregnant or are breast feeding. Certain other prescription drugs can interact negatively with Nexium. Be sure your doctor is aware of all medications you take. Drugs which may cause a negative interaction include Valium, Plavix, Viracept, iron and Coumadin.

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