Brand Name: Nexium

Generic Name: esomeprazole (ee so MEP ra zol)

Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).  

Nexium may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  Nexium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in it's medication guide.

Nexium Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.  Other less serious Nexium side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• headache;

• diarrhea;

• nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation; or

• dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nexium?

Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• clopidogrel (Plavix);

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• diazepam (Valium);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• HIV or AIDS medication such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), and others;

• iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others); or

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Nexium, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.