Nexium Control 20mg Tablets (14)

Product Summary

Nexium Control Tablets help bring relief from heartburn & acid reflux. They work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach to relieve your symptoms. Nexium Control is also used to prevent ulcers in people who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Directions

• The recommended dose is one tablet a day.
• Do not take more than this recommended dose of one tablet (20 mg) a day, even if you don’t feel an improvement immediately.
• You may need to take the tablets for 2 or 3 days in a row before your reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn and acid regurgitation) get better.
• The treatment length is up to 14 days.

When your reflux symptoms have completely gone, you should stop taking this medicine.

If your reflux symptoms get worse or do not improve after taking this medicine for 14 days in a row, you should consult a doctor.

This medicine should not be used by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Ingredients

• The active substance is esomeprazole. Each tablet contains 20 mg esomeprazole (as magnesium trihydrate).
• The other ingredient(s) are glycerol monostearate 40-55, hyprolose, hypromellose, iron oxide (reddish-brown), (E 172), iron oxide (yellow) (E 172), magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30 per cent, cellulose microcrystalline, synthetic paraffin, macrogol 6000, polysorbate 80, crospovidone (Type A), sodium stearyl fumarate, sugar spheres (sucrose). talc, titanium dioxide (E 171) and triethyl citrate.

Warnings and Restrictions

• Do not take Nexium if you are allergic to esomeprazole.
• Do not take Nexium if you are allergic to other proton pump inhibitor medicines.
• Do not take Nexium if you are taking a medicine containing nelfinavir.
• Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have severe kidney or liver problems before taking the medicine.
• It is advised to carefully read all instructions on the label prior to use.

Talk to your doctor before taking Nexium control if:

• you have had a stomach ulcer or stomach surgery in the past
• you have been taking reflux or heartburn treatment continuously for 4 or more weeks
• you have jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) or severe liver problems
• you have severe kidney problems
• you are aged over 55 years and have new or recently changed reflux symptoms or need to take a non-prescription indigestion or heartburn remedy treatment every day
• you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Nexium Control that reduces stomach acid
• you are due to have an endoscopy or a urea breath test
• you are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

As a precautionary measure, you should avoid taking Nexium Control during pregnancy.

You should not use this medicine during breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Do not take Nexium Control if:

• you are allergic to esomeprazole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• you are taking or are allergic to medicines containing other proton pump inhibitors (e.g. pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole or omeprazole)
• you are taking an H2 antagonist (e.g. ranitidine or famotidine).

Do not take this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

This is because this medicine can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on it.

• Do not take this medicine if you are also taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection).
• You should specifically tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots).
• Your doctor may adjust your dose of Nexium Control if you also have severe liver problems and are treated for a long period of time.

You may take this medicine with antacids (e.g. magaldrate, alginic acid, sodium bicarbonate, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate or combinations of these) if needed.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• ketoconazole and itraconazole (used to treat infections caused by a fungus)
• voriconazole (used to treat infections caused by a fungus) and clarithromycin (used to treat infections)
• erlotinib (used to treat cancer)
• methotrexate (used to treat cancer and rheumatic disorders)
• digoxin (used for heart problems)
• atazanavir, saquinavir (used to treat HIV infection)
• citalopram, imipramine or clomipramine (used to treat depression)
• diazepam (used to treat anxiety, relax muscles or in epilepsy)
• phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
• medicines that are used to thin your blood, such as warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Nexium Control.
• cilostazol (used to treat intermittent claudication – a condition where poor blood supply to the leg muscles causes pain and difficulty in walking)
• cisapride (used for indigestion and heartburn)
• rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
• tacrolimus (in cases of organ transplantation)
• St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum), used to treat depression

Storage

• Do not store above 30°C.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the blister after EXP.
• The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Keep this medicine in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can I take Nexium Control with food or on an empty stomach?

Yes, Nexium Control can be taken with or without food, but it is most effective when taken at least an hour before a meal, ideally in the morning. Taking it before eating helps the medication work better because it reduces acid production at the time when your stomach starts to produce more acid in response to food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water—do not crush or chew it. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. Do not double up on tablets to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?

If you take more than one tablet (20 mg) of Nexium Control in a day by mistake, you might not notice any serious effects, but it’s still important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Taking too much esomeprazole can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, feeling sleepy, dry mouth, confusion, or even an increased heart rate in rare cases. If a child accidentally takes the medicine, seek medical attention immediately, even if they don’t show any signs of being unwell. Do not take another dose until a healthcare provider advises you on what to do next.

Is it safe to drive or use machines while taking Nexium Control?

Most people can drive or use machines safely while taking Nexium Control. However, a few users may feel dizzy or experience blurred vision as a side effect. If you notice that Nexium Control affects your ability to concentrate or makes you sleepy or unsteady, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel better. If these symptoms continue, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Always pay attention to how your body reacts, especially during the first few days of treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Nexium Control?

Drinking alcohol in moderation while using Nexium Control is not generally harmful, but alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and may worsen symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn. Since Nexium Control is used to treat these exact symptoms, drinking too much alcohol could reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. If you regularly experience heartburn after drinking alcohol, you may want to limit your intake or avoid alcohol altogether. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure how alcohol may affect your treatment.

Can I take Nexium Control long-term for frequent heartburn?

Nexium Control is only meant for short-term use—up to 14 days in a row—without medical supervision. If you need treatment longer than this, or if your symptoms come back regularly, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Long-term use without medical advice can hide symptoms of more serious problems or cause side effects like low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, or increased risk of bone fractures. Your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes or check for underlying conditions if frequent heartburn continues.

Does Nexium Control affect nutrient absorption?

Yes, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like Nexium Control can affect how your body absorbs some nutrients, especially magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12. While this is not usually a concern during short-term use, prolonged use may reduce stomach acid so much that it interferes with nutrient absorption. This can lead to symptoms like tiredness, muscle cramps, or weakness. If your doctor recommends long-term treatment, they may also suggest regular blood tests or supplements to help manage these risks.

Is Nexium Control the same as prescription esomeprazole?

Nexium Control contains the same active ingredient—esomeprazole—as many prescription medications. However, it is available in a lower dose (20 mg) and is sold without a prescription for short-term use only. Prescription-strength esomeprazole comes in higher doses and is used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, often for more serious or ongoing conditions. Never switch between over-the-counter and prescription versions without talking to your doctor, as dosage and treatment plans may differ.

Patient Information Leaflet