Nexium Dosage (20 mg, 40 mg)

Nexium (esomeprazole) is a medication which is used to treat a variety of stomach conditions related to high levels of acid in the stomach. Nexium lowers the concentration of stomach acid through being a proton pump inhibitor. Being a proton pump inhibitor causes it to limit the amount of stomach acid that is produced in the stomach. This makes it ideal for treating a wide variety of stomach conditions that are either aggravated or formed by high levels of stomach acid. Due to its ability to treat a wide number of stomach conditions it comes in a variety of dosages.

Nexium dose frequency and duration

Nexium is usually only prescribed to be taken once a day for the majority of conditions it is used for. The duration of Nexium treatment should be kept to a minimum as there are potential long-term adverse side effects associated with taking Nexium for long periods of time. The most severe side effect which may develop from taking Nexium long-term is brittleness of bones resulting in a greater likelihood of fracturing occurring. Nexium should be taken at least one hour before eating a meal. Nexium is relatively stable so it does not matter what sort of drink you take it with. If the swallowing of capsule is something you are not able to do it is recommended to open up the capsule and sprinkle the contents in a cup of applesauce. This is a useful method for children to still receive the medication if they are unable to swallow pills.

Nexium (esomeprazole) 20mg

For the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients usually start with taking 20 mg daily of Nexium. This is usually effect enough to lower the concentration of acid in the stomach. GERD is a result of stomach acid coming into contact with the esophagus. Longterm continuation of exposure to stomach acid by the esophagus can damage the esophagus. Taking Nexium in 20 mg doses daily helps to lower the concentration of acid in the stomach thereby limiting the frequency that acid comes into contact with the esophagus. Nexium is also prescribed in 20 mg doses to patients who are undergoing long-term NSAID treatment. Long-term NSAID treatment can lead to the development of stomach ulcers so Nexium is given to these patients to help prevent ulcers from forming. Taking Nexium as a preventative is not advisable for more than six months at a time due to the long-term effects associated with taking Nexium.

Nexium (esomeprazole) 40mg

If 20 mg doses are not working to adequately prevent and sooth your GERD your doctor may decide to increase the dosage from 20 mg to 40 mg of Nexium taken once daily. It is important to watch for adverse side effects when the dosage is first increased as the higher the dosage of Nexium the more likely you are to develop adverse reactions to the medication. When taking Nexium as an ulcer preventative doctors may choose to prescribe 40 mg daily as opposed to 20 mg. Dosage is usually increased if you have a history of stomach ulcers or if you are on very high doses of NSAIDs. Nexium is also prescribed in doses of 40 mg when it is used in conjunction with antibiotics to get rid of peptic ulcers.