Nexium
Nexium is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
How to Use
Dosage
The recommended dose is one (10 mg) or two (20 mg) sachets once a day. For children, the dose is based on body weight and determined by a doctor.
Method
Empty the sachet(s) into a glass with 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of non-carbonated water per sachet. Stir the granules into the water and let it thicken for a few minutes. Stir again and drink the solution within 30 minutes. Do not chew or crush the granules. If any mixture remains, add a little water, stir, and drink it.
For adults, the maximum daily dose is 20 mg (two sachets). For children aged 1-11 with severe liver problems, the maximum daily dose is 10 mg (one sachet).
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Stomach or gut problems (diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, gas)
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Benign polyps in the stomach
- •Swelling of the feet and ankles
- •Sleep problems (insomnia)
- •Dizziness, tingling sensations, drowsiness
- •Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- •Dry mouth
- •Abnormal liver function tests
- •Skin rash, hives, and itchy skin
- •Bone fractures (hip, wrist, or spine), especially with long-term high-dose use
- •Changes in blood cell counts (leading to weakness, bruising, or increased infections)
- •Low sodium levels in blood (causing weakness, nausea, and cramps)
- •Agitation, confusion, or depression
- •Taste changes
- •Vision problems (blurred vision)
- •Wheezing or shortness of breath
- •Inflammation of the mouth
- •Thrush (fungal infection in the mouth, throat, or oesophagus)
- •Liver problems (including jaundice, yellow skin, dark urine, tiredness)
- •Hair loss
- •Skin rash when exposed to sunlight
- •Joint or muscle pain
- •General feeling of being unwell or lack of energy
- •Increased sweating
- •Severe changes in blood cell counts (including agranulocytosis, lack of white blood cells)
- •Aggression
- •Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
- •Severe liver problems (leading to liver failure or brain inflammation)
- •Sudden severe rash with blistering or peeling skin, possibly with high fever and joint pain (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- •Muscle weakness
- •Severe kidney problems (interstitial nephritis)
- •Enlargement of breasts in men
- •Low magnesium levels in the blood (may cause tiredness, muscle twitches, confusion, seizures, dizziness, and fast heart rate)
- •Intestinal inflammation (causing diarrhoea)
- •Rash, possibly with joint pain
Important Warnings
- Do not take Nexium if you are allergic to esomeprazole, other similar stomach acid medicines, or any other ingredient in Nexium.
- Do not take Nexium if you are taking nelfinavir (a medicine for HIV infection).
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe skin rash, peeling skin, blisters, or mouth sores after taking Nexium or similar medicines.
- Talk to your doctor before taking Nexium if you have severe liver or kidney problems, or if you are going to have a specific blood test (chromogranin A).
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or blood in your vomit or stools.
Show 3 more warnings
- Long-term use of Nexium may slightly increase the risk of bone fractures. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or are taking corticosteroids.
- If you develop a rash, especially in sun-exposed areas, tell your doctor as treatment may need to be stopped. Also mention any joint pain.
- Stop taking Nexium and contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious skin reactions (like widespread rash, peeling skin, blisters, or mouth sores) or signs of liver problems (yellow skin, dark urine, tiredness).
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)