Nexium 40mg DR Pwdr Pkt For Susp-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, use 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water.
For 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg packets, use 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water.
If you need to take 2 packets, 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, 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, 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.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the medication at least 1 hour before your first meal of the day.
- Do not crush or chew the delayed-release granules in the powder packet. Mix with water as directed and swallow immediately.
- Avoid trigger foods that worsen heartburn (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, peppermint).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking.
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 or seek immediate 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
+ Balance changes
+ 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
Severe diarrhea (possibly due to C. difficile-associated diarrhea, or CDAD), characterized by:
+ 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 may also affect internal organs
+ Symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that concern you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Headache
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Dry mouth
Upset stomach
This list is not exhaustive. If you have questions about side effects, 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 stomach pain
- Black, tarry stools or blood in vomit (signs of bleeding ulcer)
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- New or worsening diarrhea that is watery or bloody (may be a sign of C. difficile infection)
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or irregular heartbeat (signs of low magnesium)
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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
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 any of the following health conditions:
+ 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 is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
People with osteoporosis (weak bones) may be at a higher risk of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist when taking this medication. This risk may increase with higher doses, prolonged treatment (more than a year), or if you 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, exercise caution and discuss your risks with your doctor.
Prolonged treatment with this medication (at least 3 months, often after 1 year) may rarely cause low magnesium levels, which can lead to other electrolyte imbalances. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition. Furthermore, long-term treatment (typically more than 3 years) may rarely result in low vitamin B-12 levels. Be aware of the signs of low vitamin B-12 levels, including shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, fatigue, mood changes, or numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
This medication has been associated with the development or worsening of lupus. If you have 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 the sun, muscle or joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Taking this medication for more than a year may increase the risk of developing stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Lastly, if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
- Headache
What to Do:
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Rilpivirine (due to reduced absorption of rilpivirine)
Major Interactions
- Clopidogrel (reduced antiplatelet effect)
- Nelfinavir (reduced nelfinavir exposure)
- Atazanavir (reduced atazanavir exposure)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels, especially high-dose)
- Digoxin (increased digoxin levels)
- Tacrolimus (increased tacrolimus levels)
Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin (increased INR)
- Diazepam (increased diazepam levels)
- Phenytoin (increased phenytoin levels)
- Cilostazol (increased cilostazol levels)
- Iron salts (reduced iron absorption)
- Ketoconazole (reduced ketoconazole absorption)
- Itraconazole (reduced itraconazole absorption)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid exposure)
- Erlotinib (reduced erlotinib absorption)
- Dasatinib (reduced dasatinib absorption)
- Nilotinib (reduced nilotinib absorption)
- Posaconazole (reduced posaconazole absorption)
Minor Interactions
- St. John's Wort (may reduce esomeprazole levels)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess treatment efficacy
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: If H. pylori eradication is indicated
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy for H. pylori
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly throughout treatment
Target: Reduction or elimination of symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require re-evaluation or alternative therapy
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use (>3 months) or concomitant diuretics/digoxin
Target: Normal range (e.g., 1.7-2.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: Hypomagnesemia (e.g., <1.7 mg/dL) requires supplementation and/or discontinuation of PPI
Frequency: Considered for patients at risk for osteoporosis with long-term use (>1 year)
Target: Maintain healthy BMD
Action Threshold: Significant bone loss may require intervention or alternative therapy
Frequency: Considered for patients on long-term therapy (>2-3 years)
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: Deficiency requires supplementation
Symptom Monitoring
- Persistent heartburn despite treatment
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent vomiting
- Hematemesis (vomiting blood)
- Melena (black, tarry stools)
- Severe abdominal pain
- New or worsening diarrhea (especially watery or bloody)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Esomeprazole is classified as Pregnancy Category B (older system). Human data suggest low risk of major birth defects. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Esomeprazole is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. The risk to the infant is considered low (L3 - Moderately Safe). Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea or drowsiness.
Pediatric Use
Approved for GERD in infants 1 month and older. Dosing is age and weight-based. Long-term safety data in pediatric populations are limited, and risks like hypomagnesemia and bone fractures should be considered with prolonged use.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustment is required based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be at increased risk for certain adverse effects with long-term use, including C. difficile infection, hypomagnesemia, and bone fractures. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole and may offer slightly improved bioavailability and acid suppression in some individuals, particularly CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers.
- For the powder for oral suspension, ensure proper mixing with water and administer immediately. Do not store the mixture.
- Long-term PPI use (typically >1 year) has been associated with increased risks of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine), C. difficile-associated diarrhea, and hypomagnesemia. Periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
- Rebound acid hypersecretion can occur upon abrupt discontinuation of PPIs, leading to worsening symptoms. Consider tapering the dose if discontinuing after prolonged use.
- PPIs can interfere with the absorption of certain medications that require an acidic gastric pH (e.g., some antifungals, HIV antivirals, iron salts).
Alternative Therapies
- H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., Famotidine, Cimetidine)
- Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox)
- Prokinetics (e.g., Metoclopramide - for specific motility disorders)
- Sucralfate (for ulcer coating)