Generic Nexium

Common use

Nexium is a specific inhibitor of a proton pump (PPIs) of the parietal cells of the mucous layer of stomach. It is a form of Prilosec (Omeprazole). It is accumulated and transformed into an active form in the secretory tubules where it inhibits secretion of hydrochloric acid. Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, promote healing of erosive esophagitis, eradication of Helicobacter pylori together with antibiotics, preventive therapy of ulcers after treatment with anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications.



Dosage and directions

To treat GERD, 20 or 40 mg of Nexium is given once daily during 4-8 weeks. Treatment of conditions caused by H. pylori requires 40 mg of Nexium administered once daily in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin during 10 days. Take Nexium capsules one hour before a meal, do not chew or crush them, swallow them whole.



Precautions

Before to take Nexium notify your doctor if you have any liver or kidney diseases. If your condition requires treatment with Nexium and antibiotics follow all instructions of your doctor to achieve the best results. Do not stop taking this medication even if your symptoms improved as your illness may not be completely treated. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding consult your physician about it before to take this medication.



Contraindications

In children younger than 12 y.o., hypersensitivity to Nexium or to any other benzimidazole medication such as mebendazole (Vermox) and albendazole (Albenza), and in patients treated with atazanavir.



Possible side effect

Together with signs of allergy like hives, swelling of throat and face, rash patients may experience headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence (gas), constipation, or dry mouth. Notify your doctor if you think that you took too much of this medication.



Drug interaction

Nexium increases blood levels of diazepam (Valium) by decreasing the elimination of diazepam in the liver. Nexium and other PPIs reduce the absorption and concentration in blood of ketoconazole (Nizoral) and increase the absorption and concentration in blood of digoxin (Lanoxin). Co-administration of Nexium with Clarithromycin increaes area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) of the first. Nexium may slow down metabolism of such medications: citalopram, diazepam, clomipramine, phenytoin, imipramine. Consequently their dose should be corrected.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it the soonest. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular dosage schedule. Never double dose this medication to compensate the missed dose.



Overdose

If overdose of Nexium was taken the following symptoms occur: confusion, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, nausea, xerostomia (dry mouth), sweating, flushing, shallow breathing or shortness of breath, tremor, coordination dysorders, or seizure. If you suppose that took too much of the drug inform your doctor about it as you may need immediate medical help.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)