For children with acid reflux disease (also called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux
disease), the condition not only can cause pain but also discomfort. That's why getting
treatment is so important.
If a doctor has prescribed Nexium for your child's acid
reflux disease, here are a few key facts you'll want to know.
- Nexium is indicated for the short-term treatment (up to
8 weeks) of acid reflux disease in patients 1 to 17 years of age
- Nexium is a once-daily treatment
- Nexium is available as a capsule or oral suspension (a
mix for liquid)
Important safety information
In children ages 1 to 11 years, the most commonly reported side effects were diarrhea,
headache, and sleepiness. In older children and teens ages 12 to 17 years, common
side effects were headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. To learn more
about possible side effects, please read the full Prescribing Information.
Symptom relief does not rule out the existence of other serious stomach conditions.
Nexium may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines
may affect how NEXIUM works. Remember to tell your child's
doctor or pharmacist all of the medicines your child takes, including prescription
and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Follow these basic safety rules when giving your child Nexium.
- Use Nexium exactly as your child's doctor has directed
- Do not use Nexium to treat any other medical conditions
unless instructed by your child's doctor
- Never share your child's Nexium with anyone else, even
if they have the same symptoms
- Keep Nexium and all medicines out of the reach of children
How to give your child Nexium
You want your child to benefit as much as possible from Nexium.
To help ensure successful treatment, follow the important instructions below.
Important instructions
- Use Nexium exactly as your child's doctor has directed
- Do not stop Nexium or change your child's dose without
talking to the doctor
- Follow the directions for the form of Nexium your child
takes: oral suspension or capsules
- It is recommended that you give your child Nexium approximately
1 hour before a meal
- Give your child Nexium at the same time every day
- If you forget a dose, give it to your child as soon as you remember, as long as
you can give it prior to the next meal. But if it is almost time for the next dose,
do not give the missed dose. Instead, give the next dose at the usual time. Do not
give your child a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Using oral suspension (for children not able to swallow capsules)
- Empty the contents of a packet into a container with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water
- Stir
- Leave 2 to 3 minutes to thicken
- Stir and have your child drink it or administer with a spoon within 30 minutes
- If any medicine remains after drinking, add more water, stir, and have your child
drink it right away
- It is recommended to give your child Nexium approximately
1 hour before a meal
Using capsules (for children able to swallow whole capsules)
- You or your child should never chew or crush the capsule of Nexium.
If swallowing capsules is difficult for your child, empty a capsule into a tablespoon
of applesauce and have your child swallow it right away (do not store the applesauce
for later use, and you or your child should not chew or crush the pellets)
- It is recommended to give your child Nexium approximately
1 hour before a meal