Description

Nexium I.V. 40mg is an intravenous formulation of esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid production.

**Primary Uses:**
– Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis and/or severe reflux symptoms.
– Healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy.
– Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk due to NSAID use.
– Prevention of rebleeding following therapeutic endoscopy for acute bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcers.

**Drug Class:**
– Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

**Mechanism of Action:**
– Esomeprazole inhibits the proton pump in stomach lining cells, reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting healing of acid-related conditions.

**Common Forms:**
– Intravenous powder for solution, 40mg strength.

**Dosage Instructions:**
– **Adults:**
– For GERD with esophagitis: 40mg once daily by intravenous injection over at least 3 minutes or infusion over 10 to 30 minutes, for up to 10 days.
– For gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy: 20mg once daily by intravenous injection over at least 3 minutes or infusion over 10 to 30 minutes.
– For prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy: 20mg once daily by intravenous injection over at least 3 minutes or infusion over 10 to 30 minutes.
– For prevention of rebleeding following endoscopy: 80mg as a bolus intravenous infusion over 30 minutes, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 8mg per hour for 71.5 hours.
– **Pediatric Patients:**
– For GERD with esophagitis:
– Infants (1 month to less than 1 year): 0.5mg/kg once daily by intravenous infusion over 10 to 30 minutes.
– Children and adolescents (1 year to 17 years):
– Less than 55 kg: 10mg once daily by intravenous infusion over 10 to 30 minutes.
– 55 kg or greater: 20mg once daily by intravenous infusion over 10 to 30 minutes.

**Side Effects and Cautions:**
– Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence.
– Long-term use may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency or bone fractures.
– Not recommended for individuals allergic to esomeprazole or other PPIs.
– Use with caution in patients with severe liver or kidney problems.
– Inform healthcare providers about all other medications to avoid interactions.

Nexium I.V. 40mg is used under medical supervision to reduce stomach acid and manage acid-related digestive conditions.