subject: Nexium is Prescribed for Patients Who are Suffering from Acid Reflux [print this page] Nexium is Prescribed for Patients Who are Suffering from Acid Reflux
Nexium is Prescribed for Patients Who are Suffering from Acid Reflux
Nexium is prescribed for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, which is caused by the reflux of food and acid from the stomach into the food pipe or oesophagus.This condition can cause acute discomfort and pain for hours and days, and in most cases, keeps sufferers away from their favourite food or from eating out at their favourite restaurants. Unfortunately, the discomfort is most severely felt at night, which in turn hinders a good night' sleep. For people with this discomfort, Nexium is a much more effective drug than a simple antacid and provides quicker and longer lasting relief.
Developed by AstraZeneca and known generically as esomeprazole, Nexium is also used in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, helicobacter pylori infection, duodenal ulcer prophylaxis and other related conditions.
Why Prescribe Nexium?
Nexium belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors and is taken to stop reflux oesophagitis coming back or relapsing. Patients with Reflux experience a burning sensation in the chest rising up to the throat, more commonly known as heartburn. Nexium is also taken to treat the signs of pain or discomfort in the stomach and to help heal and prevent ulcers. Nexium is indicated for the treatment of peptic ulcer and also to treat a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where the stomach produces large amounts of acid. Patients with bleeding peptic ulcers might be prescribed Nexium to speed up the healing of ulcers.
Contra Indications
Patients taking Nexium should not have allergies to esomeprazole or any medicines containing a proton-pump inhibitor. You must tell your doctor if you have:
allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
any problems with your liver
severe kidney problems
any other medical conditions
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should keep the doctor informed.
Nexium Side-Effects
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin. Other serious side effects are:
nausea or vomiting
constipation
diarrhoea
headache
wind
stomach pain
skin rash, itchy skin
dizziness
dry mouth.
Some more serious side effects are:
blurred vision
mood changes, confusion or depression
muscle pain or weakness, joint pain
increase in breast size (males)
increased sweating
changes in sleep patterns
fever
increased bruising
"pins and needles"
hair loss
tremor
blood in the urine
Storage
Store Nexium in the blister pack until it is time to take the drug. Keep away from children, pets, heat and light, and store at temperature below 25C.
