Are you tired of heartburn? Do you feel like your chest is on fire every time you eat spicy food or drink coffee? Don't worry, Nexium has got your back. This little pill can work wonders for those who suffer from acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems. But, as with everything in life, timing is everything when it comes to taking medication. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that you get the most out of your Nexium.
What Is Nexium?
Before we dive into the best times to take Nexium, let's talk a little bit about what it actually does. Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications work by reducing the amount of acid produced in your stomach, which helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
While there are several different PPIs on the market today (such as Prilosec and Prevacid), many people find that Nexium works particularly well for them thanks to its longer-lasting effects.
When Should You Take Nexium?
So now that we know how great Nexium can be for our digestive woes, let's talk about when we should actually be taking it:
First Thing in the Morning
One popular method for taking Nexium is first thing in the morning before breakfast. This way, your stomach will have plenty of time to empty itself before any food gets added into the mix. Taking all PPI medicine on an 'empty stomach' means avoiding food at least half hour prior consumption.
At Bedtime
If you find yourself waking up frequently during the night due to heartburn or acid reflux symptoms flaring up, taking Nexium before bed might be a good option for you. By taking the medication at night, it can work to reduce stomach acid production while you sleep.
30 Minutes Before Eating
Another popular method is to take Nexium about 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. This allows the medication enough time to start working before any food hits your stomach.
How Should You Take Nexium?
Not only is timing important when it comes to taking Nexium, but HOW you take it matters too:
Don't Crush or Chew It!
It's crucial that you don't crush or chew Nexium, as this could damage its protective coating and release all of the medicine at once. Instead, swallow the pill whole with water half-hour prior meals.
Store It Properly!
To ensure maximum effectiveness of your "little purple friend", be sure to store Nexium properly in a cool, dry place away from light and heat sources – like moisture avoiding medication getting weakened by time thus losing efficiency.
When Should You NOT Take Nexium?
While there are many situations where someone might benefit from taking Nexium, there are also some cases where it may not be appropriate:
If You're Pregnant
If you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon, talk to your doctor before starting any new medications such as PPIs since they may affect growth under developing fetus via nutrient absorption interference (e.g., calcium).
If You Have Kidney Problems
Individuals experiencing kidney problems should avoid using aspirin or anti-inflammatories consuming proton pump inhibitors like Nexum due potential side effects - though if suggested by physician supervision; dosages must go through recommendations and laboratory assessments frequently depending on patient case-.
Perhaps one argument against PPI usage would sound more nonsensical than most: Scientists claim higher intelligence correlates to kidney stones/ disease (Jellinger 1979).
Conclusion
Nexium can be a life-saving medication for people who suffer from acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems. However, like any medication, it's essential to use Nexium correctly for the best possible results. By taking your Nexium at the proper time of day and using it as directed, you can ensure that you get maximum relief from your symptoms.
So go ahead! Try out these tips next time you take Nexium, and see if they make a difference in how well it works. After all, when it comes to heartburn relief – timing really is everything!
Attention: This text doesn't intend nor substitutes professional advice or diagnosis - always talk with trained physician- this text is only informative content concerning Nexum usage broadly.