Side Effects

Esomeprazole has proved its effectiveness in the treatment of acid reflux disease. There are few side effects associated with taking this drug. However, patients can consult the doctor if any of the side effects becomes bothersome. Side effects that may occur include:

Common Side Effects of Esomeprazole

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry Mouth

Severe Side Effects:

• Seizures
• Dizziness
• Abnormal or fast heartbeat
• Jitteriness
• Tremors
• Spasms
• Weakness
• Cramps or muscle ache
• Spasm of the voice box

Drug Interactions

Esomeprazole may interact with other medicines and affect their mechanism. Patients must inform their doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications that they are taking. It is vital for the patients to make sure that the combination of drug they are using is safe. Nexium can have interactions with the following drugs:

• Cilostazol (Pletal)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Erlotinib (Tarceva)
• Methotrexate
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Saquinavir (Fortovase)
• Products that contain iron
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• St.John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Rifampin (Rimactane, Rifater, Rifamate)
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Voriconazole (Vfend)
• Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Warnings Associated with Nexium

Patients prescribed with Esomeprazole must be aware of the following warnings:

• The intake of Nexium in high doses for more than a year may increase the risk of fracture in the hip bone, spine or wrist.
• Hypomagnesemia or loss of magnesium in the body may occur in patients taking Esomeprazole for long-term.
• The risk of severe inflammation of the stomach lining may increase in the patients using Nexium for a long period.
• Pregnant women should avoid using Esomeprazole because the effect of the medicine on an unborn baby is unknown.
• Nexium may increase the risk of severe diarrhea associated with intestinal infections.