Acid Reflux in Children Ages 1 to 17 Years

For children with acid reflux disease (also called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease), the condition not only can cause pain and discomfort; it also can affect their daily activities. 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.

  • For children ages 1 to 17 years, NEXIUM is approved for the following
    • The short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) for the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as heartburn, and
    • The healing of damage in the lining of the esophagus that may be caused over time by acid reflux. Only your child's doctor can diagnose this condition, called erosive esophagitis (learn how damage can happen)
  • 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 Important Product Information.

Symptom relief does not rule out the existence of other serious stomach conditions.

As with any medicine, there is a possibility NEXIUM may interact with other medicines your child is taking. Remember to tell your child's doctor or pharmacist all of the medicines—both prescription and nonprescription—your child takes.

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 to 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)

  • 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 swallow it right away (do not store it for later use, and do not chew or crush the pellets)
  • It is recommended to give your child NEXIUM approximately 1 hour before a meal
    • Do not store it for later use
Acid reflux disease in children.
Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.