Written by: Getting a prescription for Nexium online is easy.
If you struggle with stomach acid related conditions, book an online appointment with PlushCare and speak to a top US doctor today. During your appointment, the doctor can evaluate your condition and write or refill a Nexium prescription online. They can send the prescription electronically to a pharmacy near you for convenient pickup.
What is Nexium and What Does it Treat?
Nexium is a brand name of esomeprazole magnesium, a type of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and erosive esophagitis (a condition where excess stomach acid damages the esophagus).
Sometimes Nexium is used alongside other medications to treat various types of ulcers including:
- Duodenal ulcers (the duodenal is the beginning part of the small intestine).
- NSAID-associated ulcers (continuous use of NSAIDs such as Celebrex, ibuprofen, aspirin, Voltaren, and others can cause ulcers).
- Crohn’s disease-associated ulcers.
- Ulcers from Helicobacter pylori infections.
Nexium is taken for management and prevention. It is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.
How Does Nexium Work?
Nexium works by reducing stomach acid. An enzyme known as the gastric proton pump (located on the walls of the stomach) stimulates gastric acid secretion. Nexium blocks the gastric proton pump enzyme, thus reducing stomach acid.
The reduction in stomach acid helps prevents acid reflux, helping to prevent symptoms or giving the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum time to heal.
Nexium Dosage and Treatments
Nexium is usually taken as a delayed-release capsule or oral suspension, both formulations are taken at least one hour before a meal. Oral suspensions are taken by mixing the contents of a packet into a glass of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken and drink within 30 minutes. For any residual powder left on the bottom of the glass, add more water and drink immediately.
For treatment of GERD, a 20 or 40 mg capsule is taken once/day over the course of 4 to 8 weeks. Dosages are reduced for children 11 years old or younger.
For pathological hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, 40 mg capsules are taken twice a day.
Nexium I.V. is injectable esomeprazole sodium. This formulation is sometimes used for GERD with erosive esophagitis or rebleeding of gastric or duodenal ulcers after therapeutic endoscopy.
Read: Acid Reflux Medicine
Benefits of Nexium
Nexium reduces symptoms of too much stomach acid. In most cases, Nexium is prescribed for short-term use, usually four to eight weeks. This provides enough time for a patient to heal from acid damage. Occasionally that time frame is extended to give people additional healing time.
Nexium can also be used long-term for Maintenance of erosive esophagitis or pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Many drugs require dosage adjustments for people with kidney disease, Nexium does not.
Side Effects of Nexium
Most common side effects of Nexium (affects over 10% of patients):
- Headache (11%)
- Flatulence (10%)
Common side effects of Nexium (affects 1 to 10% patients):
- Changes in taste or unpleasant aftertaste
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Coughing, respiratory infection, or sinusitis
- High blood pressure
- Pruritus
- Back pain
- Viral infection
- Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Reasons to call a doctor right away:
- Severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
- Urination problems (blood in urine, reduced urine)
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Tremors, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, or feeling jittery
- Joint pain
- Rash on arms or cheeks that worsens in sunlight
- Choking sensation
Get emergency medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction to Nexium, which causes hives; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Considerations and Precautions of Nexium
When Nexium is taken on a long-term basis or more than once a day, it can reduce bone strength. Talk to your doctor about ways to maintain strong bones while taking Nexium long-term.
Drug interactions
There are 304 drugs that are known to interact with Nexium. Some of the most common or important drugs to tell your doctor about are:
- Cilostazol
- Clopidogrel
- Diazepam
- Digoxin
- Erlotinib
- Medications containing iron
- Methotrexate
- Mycophenolate
- Rifampin
- St. John’s wort
- Tacrolimus
- Warfarin
- Antifungal medications
- HIV/AIDS medications
Condition interactions
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Low magnesium levels in your blood
Can You Buy Nexium Online?
Yes, you can buy Nexium and other prescription only drugs online. While there are dangerous online “pharmacies” that can damage your health and/or wallet, there are safe ones as well. The FDA has a guide for choosing an online pharmacy.
Fortunately, there are reputable sites like PlushCare where you can talk to a doctor through an online appointment. If your doctor decides Nexium is appropriate for you, they can write or refill a prescription online and help you choose a trustworthy online pharmacy.
