Nexium

What is Nexium?

Nexium treats acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It can help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn and is used to treat stomach and oesophagus problems. Using Nexium can help to heal damage to these areas caused by acid reflux.

Acid reflux happens when the muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus relaxes at the wrong time or the sphincter muscle becomes weak or fails to close tightly, allowing stomach acid back up into your oesophagus. The burning feeling that comes as a result of acid reflux is known as heartburn. Acid reflux can also cause other symptoms such as an unpleasant taste in your mouth, a cough, hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick. These symptoms can be worse after eating, when you’re lying down and when you bend over.

If these symptoms continue and they keep happening, it’s known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD. It’s a relatively common condition but can be uncomfortable, frustrating and cause problems with fairly simple day-to-day tasks like eating, exercise and lying down. There are also lifestyle changes that can be made to try and improve the symptoms of these conditions.

Nexium – a treatment for acid reflux and heartburn – is a branded version of medication called Esomeprazole. It’s available as a gastro-resistant capsule, as a tablet or as granules for oral suspension.

How does Nexium work?

The active ingredient in Nexium, esomeprazole, works on the proton pumps in the wall of the stomach. These are responsible for the production and release of acids, which are essential in the breaking down of food. Nexium works to reduce the action of these pumps, which lowers the amount of stomach acids that are produced, helping to decrease the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

What doses of Nexium are there?

Nexium tablets are available in three doses: 20mg and 40 mg. The usual dose is one 20mg or 40mg tablet or capsule daily for up to eight weeks for the treatment of GORD. For long-term prevention of acid reflux you may need to take a lower dose for as long as your doctor tells you to.

There are also granules for oral suspension which you should take in accordance with guidance from your doctor and the instructions that come with your Nexium. The granules are available in a 10mg dose.

How to take Nexium

This can depend on the type of Nexium you’re using. Always read the instructions that come with Nexium before you start your treatment, to ensure that you understand how to take this medication. If you have any questions about how to take Nexium during your treatment, ask your clinician for advice.

Instructions: Nexium capsules

The capsules should be swallowed whole as they’re gastro-resistant (this simply means that it’s resistant to being broken down in the stomach as they need to be absorbed in the intestines to be effective). They can be taken at any time of day and with or without food.

Instructions: Nexium granules

To take Nexium in granule form, start by pouring a glass of still water. Use the right amount of water for the number of packets you’re taking. You need three teaspoons per packet of granules. Pour the granules into the water and stir. Leave it for a few minutes, letting it thicken. Then stir it again and drink it. Don’t leave it for more than half an hour before drinking it.

How long does it take Nexium to work?

Nexium starts to work straight away after a single dose. It takes about 1-2 hours to reach its performance ‘peak’ in the bloodstream. In clinical trials, taking Nexium at the same time as food wasn’t shown to slow down its effectiveness ^[1]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Nexium?

Take it when you remember if you miss a dose. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed. Get medical advice urgently if you take too much.