Neksium 40 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: Neksium 40 mg Tablet
• Common Name: Esomeprazole (as esomeprazole magnesium)

Composition: Neksium 40 mg Tablet contains Esomeprazole 40 mg as its active ingredient. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Uses: Neksium 40 mg Tablet is prescribed for conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. It is primarily used for:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including healing of erosive esophagitis and managing its symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation.
• Peptic ulcer disease (stomach and duodenal ulcers), and to prevent stomach ulcers caused by NSAID use.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition characterized by increased stomach acid due to a pancreatic tumor.
• Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, often in combination therapy.

Dosage and Administration: Typically, Neksium 40 mg Tablet is taken once daily, preferably in the morning, at least one hour before a meal. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed, crushed, or broken. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a physician based on the medical condition. For certain conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, higher doses or twice-daily administration may be prescribed.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth.
• Serious Side Effects (less common): Prolonged use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium levels (hypomagnesaemia), increased risk of bone fractures, and in rare cases, kidney problems or lupus erythematosus. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions (e.g., sudden wheezing, swelling of face/tongue/throat, rash, fainting) or symptoms of liver problems (yellow skin, dark urine, tiredness).

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor if you have allergies to esomeprazole or other PPIs, severe liver problems, or a history of gastric cancer, osteoporosis, or low vitamin B12/magnesium levels.
• Neksium 40 mg Tablet may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), antifungals, anti-HIV drugs (e.g., nelfinavir, atazanavir), iron supplements, methotrexate, and anti-cancer medications.
• Caution is advised when consuming alcohol as it may decrease the medicine's efficiency.
• Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is not generally recommended for children below 5 years of age.

Storage: Store Neksium 40 mg Tablet in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. The optimal storage temperature is below 25°C or below 30°C.

NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET (15 TAB) by PFIZER LIMITED is a medication commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET used for?

NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. These include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where acid escapes into the gullet, and the healing of erosive esophagitis (acid-related damage to the food pipe). It is also used for treating stomach ulcers, including those caused by NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) or a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (in combination with antibiotics). Additionally, it treats Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where a growth in the pancreas causes too much stomach acid.

How does NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET work?

NEKSIUM (esomeprazole) works by specifically inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme system, often referred to as the "proton pump," located in the gastric parietal cells of the stomach. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in producing stomach acid. By blocking this pump, esomeprazole significantly reduces the amount of acid secreted into the stomach, allowing the esophagus and stomach to heal.

What is the usual dosage for NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET?

For the treatment of damaged food pipe due to GERD (erosive esophagitis), the usual recommended dose is one NEKSIUM 40 mg tablet once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. For conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the initial recommended dose is 40 mg twice a day, which can be adjusted by your doctor based on your needs, potentially up to 80 mg twice daily. When used for Helicobacter pylori eradication, it is typically 40 mg once daily for 10 days, combined with specific antibiotics. For preventing stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs, the dose is usually 20 mg or 40 mg once daily. Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and duration. Tablets should be swallowed whole, preferably at least one hour before a meal.

What are the possible side effects of NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include headache, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence (gas), abdominal pain, dry mouth, and constipation. More serious but rare side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe allergic reactions (e.g., sudden wheezing, swelling of lips/tongue/throat, rash, fainting), liver problems (e.g., yellow skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness), severe skin rashes (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome), kidney injury, low magnesium levels (symptoms like muscle pain, cramps, irregular heartbeat), low vitamin B12 levels, and an increased risk of bone fractures with long-term use. Long-term use may also be associated with the development of fundic gland polyps, which are usually benign growths in the stomach lining.

Is NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: NEKSIUM is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (FDA Pregnancy Category B) when the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks. Studies have indicated that these medications do not appear to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant. During Breastfeeding: It is currently not known if esomeprazole passes into breast milk. While related medications like omeprazole are found in breast milk in very low amounts and are not expected to cause harm, it is best to discuss with your healthcare provider whether you should take NEKSIUM while breastfeeding.

Can NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

NEKSIUM can interact with several other medications. It should generally be avoided with certain antivirals for HIV (e.g., atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine), clopidogrel (a blood clot preventative), St. John's Wort, and rifampin. It may also interact with medications such as certain antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), erlotinib, citalopram, diazepam, phenytoin, warfarin, digoxin, cilostazol, methotrexate, tacrolimus, iron supplements, and diuretics, potentially affecting their absorption or metabolism. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET?

Before taking NEKSIUM, inform your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney problems, or if you have previously had a skin reaction to similar acid-reducing medicines. Long-term use (typically over one year) may increase the risk of bone fractures (especially of the hip, wrist, or spine), low magnesium levels, and low vitamin B12 levels. It may also lead to the formation of fundic gland polyps in the stomach, which are usually benign. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black, tar-like stools to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (typically if more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How should NEKSIUM 40 MG TABLET be stored?

NEKSIUM tablets should be kept sealed in their original blister strips to protect them from moisture. Store them at room temperature, typically between 15-30°C (59-86°F), and keep the container tightly closed. Ensure the medication is kept out of reach of young children.