Nexium 2.5mg DR Pwdr Pkt For Sus-30
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your dose 1 hour before a meal. To prepare your dose, mix the contents of the packet with water as follows:
For 2.5 mg or 5 mg packets, mix with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water.
For 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg packets, mix with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water.
If you need to take 2 packets, use double the amount of water.
Stir the mixture into the water, then let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Mix well and drink the entire dose within 30 minutes of preparing it. Discard any unused portion after 30 minutes. Rinse your cup with more water and drink the rinse water to ensure you get the full dose.
Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you feel well. If you have a feeding tube, your healthcare provider can administer the medication through the tube. To do so:
For 2.5 mg or 5 mg packets, add 5 mL of water to a syringe, then add the packet contents. Replace the plunger, shake well, and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
For 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg packets, add 15 mL of water to a syringe, then add the packet contents. Replace the plunger, shake well, and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
Shake the syringe again and administer the medication through the feeding tube. After administration, refill the syringe with the same amount of water used, shake, and flush the feeding tube.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily, at least 1 hour before a meal.
- For powder for suspension, mix the contents of the packet with water as directed and take immediately. Do not chew or crush the granules.
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen acid reflux (e.g., fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, citrus).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain, cramps, or spasms
+ Weakness
+ Shakiness
+ Changes in balance
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Seizures
+ Loss of appetite
+ Severe nausea or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Severe dizziness or fainting
Bone pain
Significant weight loss
Symptoms of a severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD), including:
+ Stomach pain or cramps
+ Very loose or watery stools
+ Bloody stools
+ Do not attempt to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions, which can affect body organs and be life-threatening
+ Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may have only minor or no side effects at all. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Headache
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Dry mouth
Upset stomach
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have concerns or questions, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (may be a sign of C. difficile infection)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools
- New or worsening joint pain
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or irregular heartbeat (signs of low magnesium)
- Any new or unusual rash, especially with joint pain
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Atazanavir, Clopidogrel, Methotrexate, Nelfinavir, Rifampin, Rilpivirine, St. John's Wort, or Warfarin.
* If you have a history of any of the following health issues:
+ Black or bloody stools
+ Heartburn accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, dizziness, or wheezing
+ Chest pain
+ Shoulder pain with shortness of breath
+ Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, or shoulders
+ Lightheadedness
+ Excessive sweating
+ Vomiting blood
+ Difficulty or pain when swallowing food
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Patients with osteoporosis (weak bones) should be aware that this medication may increase the risk of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist. This risk may be higher if you take the drug in high doses, use it for more than a year, or are over 50 years old. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a history of alcohol consumption, smoking, steroid use, seizure medication, or a family history of osteoporosis, discuss your individual risks with your doctor.
Prolonged use of this medication (typically more than 3 months) may lead to rare but potentially serious side effects, including low magnesium levels. Most cases occur after at least 1 year of treatment, and low magnesium levels can cause other electrolyte problems. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your magnesium levels.
Long-term treatment with this medication (usually more than 3 years) has been associated with rare cases of low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which may include shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, tiredness, mood changes, or numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
This medication has been linked to the development or worsening of lupus, an autoimmune disease. If you have a history of lupus, inform your doctor, and seek medical attention promptly if you notice any signs of lupus, such as a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, changes in skin color, increased sensitivity to sunlight, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Taking this medication for more than 1 year may increase the risk of developing stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to inform your doctor, as this medication may pose risks to you and your baby. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of treatment and make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Limited experience with overdose. Symptoms may include drowsiness, disorientation, tachycardia, nausea, sweating, headache, blurred vision, and abdominal pain.
What to Do:
Call 911 or your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US) immediately. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Esomeprazole is highly protein-bound and not readily dialyzable.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Nelfinavir (decreased nelfinavir exposure)
- Atazanavir (decreased atazanavir exposure)
- Rilpivirine (decreased rilpivirine exposure)
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect due to CYP2C19 inhibition)
Moderate Interactions
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels)
- Warfarin (increased INR/bleeding risk)
- Diazepam (decreased diazepam clearance)
- Citalopram (increased citalopram exposure)
- Digoxin (increased digoxin absorption)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
- Iron salts (decreased iron absorption)
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Erlotinib (decreased absorption of drugs requiring acidic gastric pH)
Minor Interactions
- St. John's Wort (potential decrease in esomeprazole exposure)
- Rifampin (potential decrease in esomeprazole exposure)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish a starting point for treatment efficacy assessment.
Timing: Before initiating therapy
Rationale: PPIs can cause hypomagnesemia, especially with prolonged use or concomitant diuretics.
Timing: Consider for patients on long-term therapy or with risk factors
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated (e.g., 4-8 weeks for initial treatment, then as needed for maintenance)
Target: Significant reduction or elimination of symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require dose adjustment, alternative therapy, or further diagnostic workup.
Frequency: Annually for long-term users, or more frequently if symptomatic or on diuretics
Target: Normal range (1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: Levels below normal may require supplementation or discontinuation of PPI.
Frequency: Consider for patients at high risk for osteoporosis on long-term therapy
Target: Maintain healthy BMD
Action Threshold: Significant decline may warrant intervention or alternative therapy.
Symptom Monitoring
- Persistent or worsening heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood or 'coffee-ground' vomit
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- New or worsening abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors (signs of hypomagnesemia)
- Diarrhea (especially severe or persistent, may indicate C. difficile infection)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered low risk. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and human data are reassuring. Use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Esomeprazole is excreted into human milk in small amounts. The amount ingested by the infant is low, and adverse effects are not expected. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use
Approved for GERD and erosive esophagitis in infants (1 month and older), children, and adolescents. Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Long-term safety data in pediatric populations are limited, and the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration should be used.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to long-term adverse effects such as bone fractures and C. difficile infection.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- PPIs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration required to treat the condition.
- Long-term PPI use (typically >1 year) has been associated with increased risks of bone fractures, C. difficile infection, hypomagnesemia, and possibly kidney disease.
- Consider tapering PPIs for patients on long-term therapy who no longer have a clear indication, to avoid rebound acid hypersecretion.
- Advise patients to take Esomeprazole at least 1 hour before the first meal of the day for optimal absorption and efficacy.
- For patients on clopidogrel, consider alternative acid suppression if possible, or monitor for cardiovascular events, due to the potential for reduced clopidogrel efficacy.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole, Dexlansoprazole)
- H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) (e.g., Famotidine, Ranitidine [historical], Cimetidine)
- Antacids (e.g., Calcium carbonate, Aluminum hydroxide/Magnesium hydroxide)
- Prokinetics (e.g., Metoclopramide - for specific motility disorders)
- Sucralfate (for ulcer protection)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, a patient fact sheet that provides important information. Please read it carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred, to help healthcare professionals provide the best possible care.