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The following information
is a summary about Nexium. It is not intended
to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES
Nexium relieves heartburn and other symptoms
caused by the backflow of stomach acid into
the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)--a
condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
It is also prescribed to heal the damage (erosive
esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause.
DIRECTIONS
Take Nexium at least one hour before meals.
Be careful to swallow it whole. If you have
trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the
capsule and carefully pour the pellets onto
one tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce
should not be hot. Mix in the pellets, then
swallow the applesauce immediately, without
chewing.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you
have ever had any type of liver disease. You
may not be able to take Nexium, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. The
effects of Nexium during pregnancy have not
been adequately studied. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, check with your
doctor before taking Nexium. Because Nexium
is likely to appear in breast milk and could
harm a nursing infant, you'll need to choose
between taking Nexium or breastfeeding your
baby. There are no restrictions on food, beverages,
or activities while taking Nexium, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS
Rare side effects may include:
- Abnormal sense of smell, acne, allergic reaction,
anemia, apathy, back pain, black stools, blood
disorders, blood in urine, burping, change in
bowel habits, chest pain, chills, confusion,
constipation, coughing, cramps, difficulty breathing,
difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth,
ear infection, earache, enlarged abdomen, enlarged
thyroid gland, eye infec tion, facial swelling,
fast or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, fever,
flu-like symptoms, flushing, frequent or increased
urination, fungal infections, general feeling
of illness, hernia, hiccups, high b lood pressure,
hives, hot flushes, impotence, inability to
sleep, increased appetite, indigestion.
CAUTIONS
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop
taking Nexium and seek emergency medical attention.
Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. They include headache, diarrhea,
nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain or constipation,
or dry mouth. Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially bothersome.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
If Nexium is taken with certain other drugs,
the effects of either could be increased, decreased,
or altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining Nexium with
Diazepam (Valium), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Iron salts
(Ferro-Sequels) or Ketoconazole (Nizoral). There's
no problem, however, with combining antacids
and Nexium; no unwanted interaction will result.
OVER DOSE
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. There have been some reports of
Nexium overdoses. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Nexium overdose may include: blurred
vision, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing,
headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating.
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Xenical
