Nexium (esomeprazole) belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Esomeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Esomeprazole is sometimes given as an injection when you cannot take medicine by mouth.
Nexium I.V. is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Nexium I.V. is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).
Nexium I.V. is also used to lower the risk of a stomach ulcer bleeding again after an endoscopy treatment.
Important information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and instructions found in the Nexium I.V. packaging. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nexium I.V. if you are allergic to esomeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medicine such as albendazole or mebendazole.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
To make sure Nexium I.V. is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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severe liver disease;
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low levels of magnesium in your blood;
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osteoporosis;
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low bone mineral density (osteopenia);
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if you are taking clopidogrel (Plavix); or
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if you take medicine to treat tuberculosis.
Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density). Using a proton pump inhibitor such as esomeprazole may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have used the medicine long-term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. It is not clear whether esomeprazole is the actual cause of an increased risk of fracture.
It is not known whether Nexium I.V. will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
Esomeprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is Nexium I.V. given?
Use Nexium I.V. exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Esomeprazole is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Nexium I.V. is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Do not use the mixed medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
This medicine is usually given once daily for up to 10 days to treat GERD or erosive esophagitis.
To prevent re-bleeding after endoscopy treatment, Nexium I.V. may be given around-the-clock for 72 hours. You may then be instructed to take a medicine by mouth to reduce stomach acid.
Use Nexium I.V. for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your infection is completely cleared.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are using this medicine.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests, and you may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before a test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Nexium I.V.
Store the powder medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. After mixing Nexium I.V., store at room temperature and use the medicine as soon as possible. The mixture will be good for only 6 to 12 hours depending on the type of liquid diluent used.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a daily dose of Nexium I.V.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Nexium I.V.?
This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John"s wort at the same time you are using Nexium I.V.
Nexium I.V. side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Nexium I.V.: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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kidney problems - urinating more or less than usual, blood in your urine, swelling, rapid weight gain; or
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low magnesium - dizziness, confusion, fast or uneven heart rate, jerking muscle movements, jittery feeling, muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling, cough or choking feeling, seizure.
Common Nexium I.V. side effects may include:
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nausea, stomach pain, gas;
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diarrhea, constipation;
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headache, dizziness;
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dry mouth;
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itching; or
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pain, itching, swelling, redness, or bruising around the IV needle.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Nexium I.V.?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Nexium I.V., especially:
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cilostazol;
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clopidogrel;
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digoxin;
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erlotinib;
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iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and others);
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methotrexate;
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mycophenolate mofetil;
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rifampin;
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tacrolimus;
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antifungal medication - ketoconazole, voriconazole;
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a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
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HIV/AIDS medication - atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with esomeprazole injection, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
