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Nexium
Pronounced: NECKS-ee-um
Generic name: Esomeprazole magnesium
Nexium relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)--a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also prescribed to heal the damage (erosive esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause.
Prescribed in combination with the antibiotics Biaxin and Amoxil, Nexium is also used to treat the infection that causes most duodenal ulcers (ulcers occurring just beyond the exit from the stomach).
Like its sister drug Prilosec, Nexium works by reducing the production of stomach acid.
ADULTS
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
For relief of symptoms, the usual dosage is one 20-milligram capsule daily for 4 weeks. If symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe an additional 4 weeks of therapy.
Erosive Esophagitis
To heal damage, the dosage is 20 or 40 milligrams of Nexium once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. If you haven't fully healed after 8 weeks, your doctor may prescribe an additional 4 to 8 weeks of therapy. To maintain healing, the dosage is 20 milligrams once daily.
Duodenal Ulcers
As part of a three-drug treatment to rid the body of ulcer-causing H. Pylori bacteria, Nexium is prescribed at a dosage of 40 milligrams once daily for 10 days.
If you have severe liver problems, you should take no more than 20 milligrams of Nexium per day. |
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