Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease in which the stomach contents come out of the stomach into the esophagus, which is known as a food pipe. This condition can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn, sore throat, nausea and many other problems. Nexium is referred to as the most effective drug used for treating GERD. Apart from treating this condition, it is also used to treat pathological hypersecretory condition, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and is also given to the patients suffering from dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease. Dyspepsia is characterized by a chronic pain in the upper abdomen whereas peptic ulcer is a painful disease in which ulcers are formed in the lining of the stomach. It is caused by excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor, which works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. When you take proton pump inhibitor, you are at a higher risk of bone fracture in the wrist, hip and spine. So, it is very important for you to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. If you have low bone mineral density, then your doctor must know about this.

Talking about its dosage, it should be taken exactly in that amount as prescribed by the doctor. The recommended time period of this medicine is 4 to 8 weeks only. The course of treatment can be increased if the patient needs additional healing time. You cannot crush, chew or break the capsule. In other words, you need to swallow it whole. If you see that your symptoms are not improving or getting even worse after taking the medicine, then immediately talk to your doctor.

In case of a missed dose

If you have missed your dose, then take it as soon as you remember it, but if it is the time of your next scheduled dose then skipping the missed dose is beneficial.

In case of overdose

Overdose of this drug is not recommended as it may cause headache, blurred vision, tremor, nausea, dry mouth and many other problems.

Drug Interaction

Nexium may interact with other drug. Therefore, before taking it, patients must inform their doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines they are using. Mentioned below is a list of drugs that may interact with Nexium:

Digoxin

Iron supplements

Tacrolimus

Erlotinib

Methotrexate

Rifampin

The list does not complete, so tell your doctor about each and every medicine including herbal and all other medicines you are taking.