Nexium, a brand name for the drug esomeprazole, is used for the short term treatment of excessive stomach acid such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Nexium is also prescribed to promote the healing of an esophagus damaged by excessive stomach acid. Patients initially take Nexium, which comes in a delayed-release capsule, once a day for four to eight weeks. As with any medication, Nexium has the potential for side effects.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects noted in treatment with Nexium are headache, abdominal pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea and drowsiness. eMedTV.com states that these effects occur in more than 1 percent of users.
Less Common Side Effects
According to Rxlist.com, some less common side effects include enlarged abdomen, loss of strength, chest pain, facial swelling, swelling of the lower limbs, fever and hot flashes. It is not advisable to take Nexium if you have a history of liver problems.
Other possible hazards include flushing, high blood pressure, indigestion, earache, ringing of the ears, anemia, bloody nose, weight gain or loss, fibromyalgia, acne, loss of taste, increased depression, ear infection, blurred vision and/or pancreatitis.
Serious Side Effects
Some individuals may experience a sensitivity or allergy to the medication. Symptoms of this include blisters on the skin, peeling skin, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue, swelling of the throat and hoarseness. Severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and requires immediate medical attention at a doctor's office or the emergency room. eMedTV.com points out that fewer than 1 percent of users will experience serious side effects.
Other serious side effects have a low incidence rate, but may include the development of chronic inflammation of the stomach's mucous membranes, known as atrophic gastritis.
Drug Interactions
According to eMedTV.com, certain medications should not be taken along with Nexium. These include antifungal medications, dasatinib, diazepam, iron supplements, warfarin and any similar medications.
Contraindications
Nexium, according to the FDA, is not indicated for patients younger than 1 year old. However, the FDA has categorized Nexium in pregnancy category B because an increase in risk of adverse pregnancy side effects has not been established. The FDA is careful to note, however, that there is not sufficient data of Nexium treatment during pregnancy.
