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What Is Nexium 24HR?

Nexium 24HR Packshots

Nexium 24HR treats frequent heartburn. Nexium 24HR stops acid at the source, no matter what triggers it. The active ingredient in Nexium 24HR is 20mg of esomeprazole.1 Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which means that it decreases the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

What Is the Difference Between Nexium 24HR and Prilosec OTC?

Nexium 24HR blocks more acid for a longer period of time than other PPIs, like Prilosec.* The difference between Nexium 24HR and Prilosec OTC is the active ingredient—Nexium 24HR contains esomeprazole, Prilosec OTC contains omeprazole. Like esomeprazole, omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and helps decrease stomach acid production.2

How to Use Nexium 24HR

Nexium 24HR is available in Capsules, ClearMinis, and Tablets. These products are formulated as delayed-release capsules and delayed-release tablets, which means they do not start releasing the drug until it reaches the intestines in order to prevent stomach acid from breaking it down.3 Nexium 24HR Capsules, ClearMinis, and Tablets are meant to be swallowed by mouth. Take one Nexium 24HR capsule or tablet with a glass of water before eating each morning for 14 consecutive days. It should be taken as directed and should not be taken for longer than recommended.

Precautions

When taking Nexium 24HR, as when taking any drug, there are various precautions like drug interactions that you should be aware of. Do not use Nexium 24HR if you are allergic to esomeprazole.

Do not use Nexium 24HR and seek medical attention if you have:

  • Trouble or pain swallowing food; vomiting with blood; or bloody and/or black stools
  • Heartburn with light-headedness, sweating, or dizziness
  • Chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath; sweating; pain spreading to arms, neck, or shoulders; or light-headedness
  • Frequent chest pain

These may be signs of a serious condition.

Talk to your doctor before taking Nexium 24HR if you have any of the following:

  • Heartburn for more than three months. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.
  • Frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Nexium 24HR Capsules if you are taking a prescription drug:

Acid reducers may interact with certain prescription drugs. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Nexium 24HR. When visiting a doctor or a dentist, be sure to inform them that you’re taking esomeprazole because it can interfere with a variety of other drugs, affect underlying health conditions, and influence medical test results.4

Other Things to Keep in Mind When Taking Nexium 24HR

To get the best results from the esomeprazole in Nexium 24HR, it’s important to follow the instructions on the package on how and when to take it.

For optimum strength and effectiveness, store Nexium 24HR in the container that you received it in, making sure to keep the lid tight and the container out of reach of children. Nexium 24HR should be kept at room temperature. Keeping it in the bathroom is not recommended, as this can cause exposure to moisture and heat.

NEXIUM vs. Nexium 24HR

Both NEXIUM and Nexium 24HR contain the same active ingredient, esomeprazole, but there are differences in their indications and directions for use. Nexium 24HR, which contains 20mg of esomeprazole, is available over the counter. 20mg caplets of NEXIUM are only available via prescription, as are all other doses of NEXIUM. Nexium 24HR is indicated for adults (18 years or older) who are experiencing symptoms of frequent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs two or more times a week, while prescription NEXIUM is indicated to treat many acid-related conditions.

For more

information about Nexium 24HR and its active ingredient, esomeprazole, check out our resources on heartburn causes and triggers, heartburn treatment comparisons, and more frequently asked questions.

*Based on AUC studies (or PK studies). The correlation between PK variables to clinical outcome has not been directly established.

Sources:

  1. Dailymed.org Nexium 24HR esomeprazole magnesium tablet https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=61f67858-ba2f-449b-8b30-c15cdaf49222
  2. Dailymed.org PRILOSEC OTC- omeprazole magnesium tablet https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=77ed80a2-a482-4838-ac55-4865b5c31d9f
  3. Esomeprazole. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699054.html.
  4. Esomeprazole (Oral Route) – Precautions. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/esomeprazole-oral-route/precautions/drg-20074322.