Nexium 40mg DR Pwdr Pkt For Susp-30

Manufacturer ASTRAZENECA LP Active Ingredient Esomeprazole Powder for Suspension(es oh ME pray zol) Pronunciation es oh ME pray zol
It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; acid reflux).It is used to treat heartburn.It is used to treat or prevent GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers caused by infection.It is used to treat or prevent ulcers of the esophagus.It is used to treat syndromes caused by lots of stomach acid.It is used to treat or prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)- associated gastric ulcers in patients with a history of ulcers. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
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Drug Class
Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor
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Pharmacologic Class
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
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Pregnancy Category
Category B
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FDA Approved
Feb 2001
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Esomeprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It's used to treat conditions like heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), and stomach ulcers. It helps heal damage to your esophagus and relieve symptoms.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

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.
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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.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Varies by indication (e.g., GERD: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks)
Dose Range: 20 - 240 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Erosive Esophagitis (Treatment): 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks
Erosive Esophagitis (Maintenance): 20 mg once daily
Symptomatic GERD: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks
H. pylori Eradication: 40 mg once daily for 10 days (in combination therapy)
NSAID-Associated Gastric Ulcer Risk Reduction: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for up to 6 months
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initial 40 mg twice daily, adjust as needed up to 240 mg/day
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: GERD (Erosive Esophagitis): 1 month to <1 year: 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily
Child: GERD (Erosive Esophagitis): 1-11 years: 10 mg or 20 mg once daily
Adolescent: GERD (Erosive Esophagitis): 12-17 years: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No adjustment needed
Moderate: No adjustment needed
Severe: No adjustment needed
Dialysis: No adjustment needed; not significantly removed by hemodialysis

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No adjustment needed (Child-Pugh A)
Moderate: No adjustment needed for GERD (Child-Pugh B)
Severe: Max 20 mg/day for GERD (Child-Pugh C)

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. It is the S-isomer of omeprazole and acts as a weak base, becoming protonated and converted to the active sulfenamide form in the acidic secretory canaliculi of the parietal cell, where it irreversibly binds to and inactivates the proton pump.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Approximately 64% (single dose), increasing to 89% (repeated dosing)
Tmax: 1.5 hours
FoodEffect: Food decreases the rate and extent of absorption; should be taken at least 1 hour before meals.

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 0.22 L/kg
ProteinBinding: Approximately 97%
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 1-1.5 hours
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Urine (approximately 80%), Feces (approximately 20%)
Unchanged: <1% in urine
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within 1 hour
PeakEffect: Full acid suppression achieved within 2-4 days of daily dosing
DurationOfAction: Up to 24 hours (acid suppression)

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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.
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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)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere to the prescribed duration of treatment, as taking this drug for longer than recommended by your doctor can have adverse effects. Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug.

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.
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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

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Rilpivirine (due to reduced absorption of rilpivirine)
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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)
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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)
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Minor Interactions

  • St. John's Wort (may reduce esomeprazole levels)

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Baseline symptoms of GERD/ulcer

Rationale: To assess treatment efficacy

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

H. pylori status

Rationale: If H. pylori eradication is indicated

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy for H. pylori

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Routine Monitoring

Symptom resolution

Frequency: Regularly throughout treatment

Target: Reduction or elimination of symptoms

Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms may require re-evaluation or alternative therapy

Serum Magnesium levels

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

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

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

Vitamin B12 levels

Frequency: Considered for patients on long-term therapy (>2-3 years)

Target: Normal range

Action Threshold: Deficiency requires supplementation

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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

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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:

First Trimester: Limited human data, but no consistent evidence of increased risk of major birth defects.
Second Trimester: No specific increased risks identified.
Third Trimester: No specific increased risks identified.
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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.

Infant Risk: Low risk; amounts in breast milk are small and unlikely to cause adverse effects in most infants.
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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.

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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

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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).
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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)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely (e.g., $100-$300+) per 30 packets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Generic typically Tier 1 or 2; Brand typically Tier 2 or 3
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult 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. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.