Nexium Injection

Generic name: esomeprazole sodium (injection)
Brand name: Nexium I.V.
Drug class: Proton pump inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 25, 2024.

What is Nexium Injection?

Nexium injection is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Nexium injection is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Nexium I.V. is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Nexium injection is also used to lower the risk of a stomach ulcer bleeding again after an endoscopy treatment.

Warnings

Nexium I.V. may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Esomeprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.

Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using Nexium I.V. long term.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Nexium I.V. if:

• you also take medicine that contains rilpivirine (Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Odefsey);

• you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking esomeprazole in the past; or

• you are allergic to esomeprazole or similar medicines (lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and others).

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with esomeprazole. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• clopidogrel;

• methotrexate (at high doses);

• rifampin;

• St. John's wort; or

• medicine that contains rilpivirine (such as Complera, Edurant, Juluca, or Odefsey).

To make sure Nexium I.V. is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe liver disease;

• lupus;

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia); or

• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

It is not known whether esomeprazole sodium will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using Nexium injection. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, metronidazole, Protonix, sucralfate

How is Nexium I.V. injection given?

Use Nexium I.V. exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Nexium I.V is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Nexium injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Nexium I.V. is usually given once daily for up to 10 days to treat GERD or erosive esophagitis.

To prevent re-bleeding after endoscopy treatment, Nexium injection may be given around-the-clock for 72 hours. You may then be instructed to take a medicine by mouth to reduce stomach acid.

You may need to mix Nexium I.V. with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use this medicine if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. You may use antacids if needed while you are using Nexium injection.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking this medicine.

Esomeprazole sodium can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Nexium Injection.

Store Nexium injection at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store mixed injection at room temperature and use it as soon as possible. The mixture will be good for only 6 to 12 hours depending on the type of liquid diluent used.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Nexium Injection?

Esomeprazole sodium can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Nexium I.V. side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Nexium injection: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• seizure (convulsions);

• kidney problems - fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;

• low magnesium - dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or

• new or worsening symptoms of lupus - joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Using esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Common Nexium injection. side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• nausea, stomach pain, gas;

• dry mouth;

• itching; or

• redness, itching, swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nexium Injection?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can interact with esomeprazole, especially:

• cilostazol;

• clopidogrel;

• diazepam;

• digoxin;

• erlotinib;

• iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and others);

• methotrexate;

• mycophenolate mofetil;

• rifampin;

• St. John's wort;

• tacrolimus;

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• antifungal medication - ketoconazole, voriconazole; or

• HIV/AIDS medication - atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with esomeprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Nexium vs Prilosec: What's the difference between them?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Nexium injection. only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.