Nexpro Junior Sachet

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is a medication formulated to reduce stomach acid production. It is available as granules for oral suspension.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Nexpro Junior Sachet
  • Common Name: Esomeprazole

• Composition: Each sachet contains Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate I.P. equivalent to Esomeprazole 10 mg, presented as enteric-coated granules. The formulation also includes excipients such as mannitol, xanthan gum, crospovidone, sucrose, citric acid monohydrate, powdarome orange premium, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide, along with Sunset yellow FCF as a colorant.

• Uses: NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET is primarily indicated for children and is used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid production. These include:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including its symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and healing of erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe).
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease and stomach ulcers.
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by excessive stomach acid production due to pancreatic or duodenal tumors.
  • Risk reduction of stomach ulcers associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Eradication of Helicobacter pylori to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.

• Dosage and Administration: NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, ideally in the morning or at least 1 hour before a meal.

  • To administer, dissolve the contents of one sachet in a small amount of water (e.g., 15 ml for a 10 mg dose). Stir well and allow it to thicken for a few minutes before immediate consumption. Do not use carbonated water or store the prepared mixture.
  • Dosage for children aged 1-11 years for GERD is typically 10 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks, with adjustments made by a doctor based on body weight (e.g., 10 mg for children weighing ≥10 - <20 kg, and 10 mg or 20 mg for those weighing ≥20 kg).

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • In adults: Headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, dizziness, and joint pain (arthralgia).
  • In children: Upper respiratory tract infections, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain. Prolonged use of esomeprazole may lead to deficiencies in Vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Severe hypomagnesaemia, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and atrophic gastritis have also been reported with long-term therapy.

• Precautions:

  • Avoid use if there is a known allergy to esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors.
  • Exercise caution in patients with gastric cancer (as it may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis), liver disease (especially severe impairment), low magnesium levels, low vitamin B12 levels, or osteoporosis.
  • NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET may interact with certain medications including blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), anti-HIV drugs (e.g., atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine), iron supplements, certain antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, rifampicin), digoxin, and methotrexate. Concomitant use with nelfinavir and rilpivirine-containing products is generally not recommended.
  • Alcohol consumption can decrease the medicine's efficiency.
  • It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult a doctor.
  • May cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.

• Storage: Store NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture, at a temperature below 30°C. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET FAQs

What is NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET used for?

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET, containing Esomeprazole, is used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid in children aged above 1 year. These conditions include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe), stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition where the stomach produces too much acid due to a pancreatic tumor). It can also help prevent stomach ulcers caused by certain medications like NSAIDs. For ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria in children above 4 years, it is typically prescribed alongside antibiotics.

How does NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET work?

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by blocking the actions of an enzyme system called H+/K+ ATPase, also known as the proton pump, located in the cells of the stomach lining responsible for gastric acid secretion. By inhibiting this pump, it effectively reduces the production of stomach acid, thereby alleviating symptoms like heartburn and aiding in the healing of the food pipe and stomach lining.

What is the usual dosage for NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET?

The dosage of NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET will be determined by a doctor based on the child's age, body weight, and medical condition. It is generally recommended to take the sachet 1-2 hours before meals, preferably in the morning or at least 1 hour before a meal, on an empty stomach. The contents of the sachet should be mixed with water (not carbonated water), stirred well, and consumed immediately. Do not chew or crush the granules, and do not store the prepared mixture. It is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.

What are the possible side effects of NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET?

Common side effects in children may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, and upper respiratory infections or rash. In adults, common side effects can also include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects are usually mild and may resolve as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if any side effects persist or worsen, it's important to consult a doctor. Long-term use may increase the risk of certain side effects like bone fractures and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as B12, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D.

Is NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET is primarily for pediatric use. For pregnant women, it should only be used if clearly considered necessary by a doctor, as there is insufficient clinical data on exposed pregnancies. It is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as it is unclear whether esomeprazole passes into breast milk, and there is insufficient information on its effects in newborns/infants.

Can NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET be taken with other medications?

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor about all medicines, including herbal products and supplements, your child is taking. It may interact with:

• Anti-HIV drugs: (e.g., nelfinavir, atazanavir) can have their effects reduced.
• Blood thinners: (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel) can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Antifungal medicines: (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole).
• Antibiotics: (e.g., ampicillin, clarithromycin, rifampicin).
• Certain anti-cancer drugs: (e.g., methotrexate, erlotinib).
• Heart medicines: (e.g., digoxin).
• Corticosteroids: (e.g., hydrocortisone) which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. It is generally safe to take with antacids, but it's advisable to do so 2 hours before or after NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET.

What precautions should be taken?

Inform your doctor if your child has a history of allergies to esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors, gastric cancer, severe liver or kidney problems, or osteoporosis. Prolonged use may lead to deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and magnesium and may increase the risk of bone fractures. NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET can sometimes cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, so observe your child for these effects. Avoid trigger foods like rich, spicy, and fatty foods, and limit caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can worsen symptoms and reduce the medicine's effectiveness.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose of NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing routine. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.

How should NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET be stored?

NEXPRO JUNIOR SACHET should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture, and kept below 30°C. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.