Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreWhat Is Neksium 40 Mg?
Neksium 40 Mg is the medication prescribed for the treatment of acidity in layman terms. More specifically, this drug helps you overcome situations where you may experience heartburn, excessive acidity, and related symptoms. Besides, this Neksium 40 Mg also treats serious conditions such as stomach ulcers and GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
The key component in Neksium 40 Mg is Esomeprazole. The drug is categorized as a PPI or Proton Pump Inhibitors. The major usage of the drug is to bring down acidity levels in stomach and provide relief to patients from its symptoms. The drug is not an over-the-counter medicine; you would need proper prescription from the doctor to buy and consume.
How Neksium 40 Mg Works
Neksium 40 Mg once consumed, it’s job primarily is to find ways to reduce acidity levels in stomach. It does it by acting on acid producing enzymes in stomach wall, also known as H+/K+ ATPase. This enzyme is also referred as “proton pump.”
- Mechanism of Action: The drug binds itself to these acid secreting enzymes that pour acid into the stomach. It tries to prevent or lessen the acid secretion.
- Effect: Once less acid is secreted the affected person feels relieved due to less acid. The inner lining and walls of the stomach feels less acidic and promotes healing. Once you complete the course this less acidic environment becomes normal and conditions are healed.
Medical Uses of Neksium 40 Mg
Neksium 40 Mg is prescribed for multitude of high acid level situations:
- GERD: GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a condition where acid comes back from stomach into the digestive tract and person feels a burning sensation. This is experienced by many of us at some point of time. But for patients of GERD, it is almost a daily affair. Neksium 40 Mg prevents movement of acid back into digestive tract and prevents heartburn.
- Erosive Esophagitis: Due to regular presence of acid in esophagus and linings of digestive tract, sores occur, causing inflammation. The drug eases this inflammation by reducing acid content in stomach.
- Ulcers: Both stomach and duodenal ulcers lead to inflammation and itching. The drug treats existing ulcers as well as prevents formation of new ones. Sometimes medications such as NSAIDs or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs lead to ulcers in stomach as side effects.
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: This is a rare condition where due to pancreatic cancer, production of acid in stomach is stimulated. In some cases, the levels of acid can rise significantly hampering daily life.
- Helicobacter pylori infection: This drug is also prescribed in combination with antibiotics to treat H. pylori bacteria infection.
Recommended Dosage and Administration
Dosage is a varying factor, it depends on multiple factors such as patient’s medical history, intensity of the disorder etc. But in any situation 2 tablets per day is the maximum dosage for both adults and children.
- GERD/Erosive Esophagitis: Here dosage depends on the number of times reflux occurs in a day. Doctors will also prescribe some tests along with it.
- Pediatric Use: Children less than 12 years of age need special precautions. They are vulnerable to major side effects and infections easily.
Neksium 40 Mg: How to Take It
For maximum efficacy from the drug, one needs to properly follow the instruction of the prescription.
- Timing: The tablet needs to be consumed on the same time each day. One should take the drug 45 minutes to 1 hour before a meal. Doctors prefer you take it at the time at the time of breakfast or lunch.
- Method: This is a water-soluble tablet like most medicines. Swallow a whole tablet with water, avoid using sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages, this could invite other side effects. Make sure you do not break or chew the medicine.
- Consistency: To get maximum benefits from the drug, make sure you do not miss the dose. Missing the dose breaks the rhythm and bloodstream no more contains the drug for a long time. Thus, when you again take the dose, it takes initial time to again show its effect.
Possible Side Effects of Neksium 40 Mg
The side effects due to this drug is very minimal and do not need doctor’s intervention. It will go away on its on in first few hours or days as the body gets accustomed to the drug. Some of the side effects that may encounter are listed below:
- Common: Minor headache, vomiting, stomachache, bowel related issues etc.
- Long-term ones: Using the drug for more than 6 months or a year can trigger side effects leading to deficiency of vitamin B12, magnesium. It can also increase chances of poor bone health due to osteoporosis.
- Serious: Swelling, inflammation, shortness of breath, intense diarrhea, or symptoms of kidney or liver disorder can also be encountered in some cases.
Who Should Avoid Neksium 40 Mg?
If you are having any of these listed conditions, then reach out to doctor:
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Esomeprazole or to any other PPI drug, this drug is not for you.
- Existing Illness: If you are already suffering from liver or kidney disorder, or having low magnesium, see the doctor.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy or breastfeeding shall be avoided while the medication is going on. If necessary, ask the doctor.
- Drug interactions: Patients taking medicines of fungal infection, HIV virus or anti-blood clotting can have reactionary side effects. You must inform the doctor about your existing disorder during checkup.
Warning
The patient should consult with their doctor prior to taking Neksium 40 Mg. The drug should be avoided by those with liver disease, allergies to proton pump inhibitors, or taking other medications that may interfere with esomeprazole.
Storage Instructions for Rabicip 10 Mg
- Condition: In any situation tablets shall be kept away from sunlight exposure. Keep the tablet away from any place with high moisture content. This can dampen the drug.
- Temperature Preference: The temperature of the room should lie between 20 to 30 Celsius.
FAQs
Q. Can I take Neksium 40 mg after eating?
Ideally, doctors advise to take the drug an hour before taking food. Discuss with your doctor about this.
Q. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Do not compensate the missed dose. Leave it and take the next dose.
Q. Is it safe to drink alcohol with Neksium?
Consuming alcohol with further increase the acidity in stomach. Hence, not advised swallow with only water.
Q. Does Neksium treat gas or bloating?
No, it is not for you regular gas or bloating. This is to manage acid levels in stomach.
