It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Do not use Nexium 24HR for longer than 14 days unless your healthcare professional directs you to do so. You can repeat a 14-day regimen once every four months. Contact your healthcare professional with additional concerns regarding dosage.

Nexium 24HR is indicated for adults (18 years and older) with frequent heartburn - when you have heartburn two or more days a week - whereas prescription NEXIUM is indicated for many acid-related conditions.

Each delayed-release capsule contains 20 mg or 40 mg of esomeprazole (present as 22.3 mg or 44.5 mg esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate) in the form of enteric-coated granules with the following inactive ingredients: glyceryl monostearate 40-55, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ...

Most people with a Nexium prescription can take it once a day, although some people can take two doses a day. Over-the-counter versions of the drug should be taken once a day for up to 14 days every four months.

Sleepiness is another reported Nexium side effect. In initial studies, about 2% of children taking Nexium reported feeling more tired than usual. Yet, GERD itself can also interfere with your sleep. If you can't fall asleep at night, this can lead to drowsiness the following day.

You should not stop taking prescription Nexium without speaking to your medical provider. Stopping your medication suddenly may lead to Nexium withdrawal symptoms and could make your stomach problems worse. Many Nexium side effects are mild and may go away after your body gets used to the medication.

You can eat and drink normally while taking esomeprazole. However, it's best to avoid foods that seem to make your indigestion worse – things like rich, spicy and fatty foods. Try to cut down on caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee and cola. Reduce or try to avoid alcohol.

Long-term and inappropriate use of PPIs like Nexium have been linked to kidney problems. It can increase the risk of developing acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.

Side effects

• headache.
• diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence.
• decreased appetite.
• constipation.
• dry mouth or an unusual taste in the mouth.
• abdominal pain.

If esomeprazole 20 mg doesn't respond to your symptoms, it is possible to take two capsules at once. Like the prescription analog, OTC Nexium is also intended for a 14-day course of treatment. This medication isn't intended for instant relief, so it may take 1–4 days for full effect.

The typical dosage of Nexium is once or twice a day for the duration of treatment. However, like most PPIs, the drug's long-term effects on bones can increase your risk of fracturing the spine, hips or wrists. You may be more vulnerable to developing fundic polyps if you're taking a PPI.