How to Take Nexium

Stomach acid is no laughing matter. If stomach acid is released into other parts of your body it can cause major damage to your esophagus as well as ulcers in your stomach and intestines. Nexium, known as the Purple Pill, is used to decrease the amount of acid that your stomach produces, thereby preventing and treating erosive esophagitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastric ulcers caused by infections. Follow these steps to take Nexium.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Prescription for Nexium

1. Take Nexium exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions after reading the information that comes with your prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

2. Take Nexium for no more than four to eight weeks. If you need additional medication for treatment, your doctor should prescribe something else.

3. Take Nexium with a full glass of water at least one hour before a meal. It is important not to eat right after taking Nexium.

4. Swallow the Nexium delayed-release capsule whole. Do not crush, chew or open a it to avoid releasing too much of the medication at once. You may open the capsule and sprinkle the medication on a spoonful of soft food to make swallowing easier for you.

5. Take Nexium on a regular basis to get the greatest benefit. Do not let your prescription run out. Get a refill before your prescription is completely gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Nexium is not known to cause birth defects or pass through breast milk, but tell your doctor to be safe.

• Take Nexium for the entire time you are prescribed the medication, even if you begin to feel better.

• If you miss a dose of Nexium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking Nexium as prescribed. Do not take a double dose of Nexium.

• Inform your doctor if you have had any types of liver disease or stomach problems before taking Nexium.

• Watch for signs of an allergic reaction to Nexium. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice hives, breathing trouble or swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat.

• Serious side effects are highly unlikely, but can occur. Stop taking Nexium and seek medical attention if you suffer from chest pain, severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, black stools, jaundice, weakness, sore tongue or tingling in the hands and feet.

• Watch for signs of a Nexium overdose, which include confusion, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dry mouth, flushing, sweating, shortness of breath, tremors, poor coordination and seizures. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have overdosed.

• Certain drugs could cause an adverse reaction if taken while taking Nexium. Inform your doctor if you take atazanavir, digoxin, diazepam, ketoconazole, iron supplements or blood thinners.