From the Guidelines
Nexium (esomeprazole) should be administered at a dose of 0.7-3.3 mg/kg/d, with the contents of the capsule sprinkled onto soft foods, for children between the ages of 1-17 years. When giving Nexium, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimize potential side effects 1.
Key Administration Guidelines
- The dose should be determined based on the child's weight and age, and a healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the appropriate amount.
- Nexium can be given with or without food, but taking it before meals may help maximize its effectiveness.
- If the child has difficulty swallowing capsules, the contents can be mixed with soft foods or select juices, and consumed immediately without chewing.
- For the oral suspension form, the powder should be mixed with water according to package instructions, stirred well, and consumed within 30 minutes.
Mechanism of Action
Nexium works by reducing stomach acid production by blocking proton pumps in the stomach lining, which helps treat conditions like acid reflux, GERD, and ulcers 1.
Important Considerations
- It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of Nexium in children.
- Healthcare providers should be consulted to determine the appropriate dose and administration method for each child.
- Nexium has been shown to be effective in treating GERD and other acid-related disorders in children, but it is essential to monitor the child's response to treatment and adjust the dose as needed 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 20 mg Capsule Bottle Carton Best Choice® Compare to the active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR* ACID REDUCER Esomeprazole Magnesium DELAYED-RELEASE CAPSULES USP, 20 mg† 24 HOUR Treats Frequent Heartburn May take 1 to 4 days for full effect 42 CAPSULES Three 14-day courses of treatment 3 x 14 Count Bottles Inside
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Administration of Nexium
To administer Nexium, which is also known as esomeprazole, the following points should be considered:
- Nexium is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) that can be taken once daily, with or without food 2.
- The typical dosage of Nexium is 40 mg once daily for the management of reflux oesophagitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and other conditions 2.
- For patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, Nexium can be taken continuously or on-demand, with continuous treatment being more effective in maintaining quality of life 3, 4.
- The effectiveness of Nexium in comparison to other treatments, such as ranitidine, has been demonstrated in several studies, with Nexium showing greater efficacy in healing and preventing relapse of erosive esophagitis and non-erosive GERD 2, 3, 4.
Treatment Strategies
Different treatment strategies can be employed when administering Nexium:
- Continuous treatment with Nexium 20 mg once daily has been shown to be effective in maintaining quality of life and preventing symptomatic relapse in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease 3, 4.
- On-demand treatment with Nexium 20 mg once daily can also be effective, although it may not be as effective as continuous treatment in maintaining quality of life 3, 4.
- The cost-effectiveness of different treatment strategies, including on-demand and continuous treatment with Nexium, has been evaluated in several studies, with Nexium being found to be a cost-effective option compared to ranitidine 5.