Nexium
Nexium is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you the exact dose, usually 20mg or 40mg once or twice daily, depending on your condition.
Method
Swallow tablets whole with water, with or without food. Do not chew or crush them. If you have trouble swallowing, you can dissolve the tablet in a glass of still water and drink it quickly.
The maximum daily dose is 80 mg, taken twice a day (total 160 mg). Your doctor will adjust your dose if needed.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, or gas
- •Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- •Small, harmless growths (polyps) in the stomach
- •Swelling of the feet and ankles
- •Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- •Dizziness, tingling feelings, drowsiness
- •Dry mouth
- •Skin rash, itchy skin, or hives
- •Blurry vision or other eye problems
- •Feeling agitated, confused, or depressed
- •Joint or muscle pain
- •Low magnesium in the blood, which can cause tiredness, muscle twitching, confusion, fits, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.
- •Liver problems, including yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or feeling tired.
- •Changes in blood cells, such as fewer white blood cells or platelets, which can make you feel weak, bruise easily, or get infections.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Nexium if you are allergic to esomeprazole, other similar medicines (proton pump inhibitors), or any other ingredients.
- Stop taking Nexium and see a doctor immediately if you get a severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin, especially if it's painful or affects your eyes, mouth, or genitals.
- Contact your doctor right away if you lose a lot of weight for no reason, have trouble swallowing, get stomach pain, vomit food or blood, or have black, tarry stools.
- If you take Nexium for a long time (over a year), it might slightly increase your risk of bone fractures. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or take steroid medicines.
- Do not take Nexium if you are taking nelfinavir, a medicine used to treat HIV infection.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults. For short-term use only. Consider the numerous potential interactions, especially with clopidogrel and (es)citalopram. Avoid long-term use. Long-term use carries an increased risk of adverse effects. Risk of hypomagnesemia in prolonged use. (updated 10.11.2025)