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How Long Does It Take for Nexium 24HR to Work?

sand running in an hourglass that measures time passing

Dealing with frequent heartburn can be a frustrating and painful experience. You might not be sure what triggered your discomfort or how to get rid of it, but you know that you want to get relief. Nexium 24HR is a great option for treating frequent heartburn symptoms.

It can take between one to four days before you feel the full effects of Nexium 24HR, but after that period, one pill a day will give you 24 hours of relief from frequent heartburn.

What Is Nexium 24HR?

Nexium 24HR is an over-the-counter medication that is used to relieve frequent heartburn, (heartburn that occurs two or more days a week). It is available in tablet, clear minis and capsule forms. Each dose contains 20 milligrams of the active ingredient esomeprazole.1

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is used to relieve frequent heartburn symptoms.2 It helps reduce the amount of acid made by the cells that line your stomach.2

How Long Does It Take for Nexium 24HR to Start Working?

There are simple things you can try to help relieve your symptoms of frequent heartburn before you feel the full effects of Nexium 24HR. To lessen the severity of your symptoms, you can:5

  • Avoid consuming foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn
  • Eat smaller meals throughout the day
  • Wait at least three hours after eating before you lie down or go to sleep
  • Elevate the upper half of your body when you lie down
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid wearing tight clothes

What Causes Frequent Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when the lower part of your esophagus allows acid in your stomach to flow back up your espohagus.3 Usually, when you eat, the lower part of your esophagus relaxes to allow the food or drink you consume to go into your stomach. After you have ingested it, the lower part of your esophagus should tighten again.3 When you experience heartburn, the lower part of the esophagus may be too weak or does not tighten properly, and it doesn’t prevent the stomach acid from rising into your esophagus.3

When you experience frequent heartburn, you might feel a burning pain in your chest that worsens when you lie down or bend over.3 You might also have a bitter or acidic taste in your mouth.3

Some foods and drinks can increase your risk of experiencing frequent heartburn, such as:3

  • Peppermint
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated and caffeinated drinks
  • Spicy foods
  • Onions
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomato products
  • Fried foods
  • Foods with high fat contents

Pregnancy or being overweight can also increase your risk of experiencing frequent heartburn as it puts additional pressure on your abdomen.3

When Should You Consult with a Health Care Provider?

You should speak with your health care provider if your heartburn is interfering with your daily functioning or causing complications that require medical care.3 You might also want to meet with your health care provider to discuss the following topics before deciding if Nexium 24HR is right for you:2,4

  • If you have problems with allergies or allergic reactions to other over-the-counter medications
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • If you are taking any herbal products
  • If you are taking prescription medication*

It is important to monitor any adverse reactions you might have while taking Nexium 24HR. Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the following:4

  • Heartburn that continues or gets worse
  • Diarrhea
  • A rash or joint pain

How Long Should Nexium 24HR Be Used?

Nexium 24HR should not be taken more than once a day for a 14-day period.2 You can begin taking Nexium 24HR again after a waiting period of at least four months since your last round of Nexium 24HR.2  If you need to take Nexium 24HR for longer than 14 days in a four-month period, you should consult with your health care provider.

Your health care provider can help you determine what is causing your frequent heartburn and the best way to treat it.

If you take Nexium 24HR, you should swallow the tablet or capsule whole. You should not crush, split, or chew on the tablet or capsule.2

*Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Nexium 24HR if you are taking a prescription medication. Acid reducers may interact with certain prescription drugs.