Nexium Drug Interactions
It is always important to discuss all other medications with your doctor. Some side effects involve adverse reactions with other types of drugs.
Plavix (clopidogrel) requires a certain level of stomach acid to properly dissolve in the system. If you are taking this drug in conjunction with Nexium, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced. For this reason, clopidogrel is not compatible with Nexium and an alternative treatment option for one of these medications must be considered.
Many other drugs require stomach acid to properly dissolve as well. Iron and calcium supplements, azole antifungals, ampicillin and dasatinib are among those that will be affected by side effects. Consult your doctor for advice on changing the dosage for these medications accordingly. HIV drugs, cilostazole and warfarin should be discussed especially as these may not be effective with Nexuim or esomeprazole medications.
Interactions may also occur with any medications containing digoxin. The amount of digoxin absorbed increases when on Nexium or esomeprazole. The medication Pletal (cilostazole) is a particular concern. Though these medications are not completely incompatible, dosages must be adjusted accordingly if you are taking both drugs. Esomeprazole increases the concentration of Pletal, so your doctor will need to reduce the amount of Pletal you are taking during the course of your Esomeprazole treatment.
Nexium Reducing Effectiveness of Other Drugs
Nexium may reduce the body’s absorption of medications and supplements such as erlotinib, iron, dasatinib and certain antifungals including fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole. This potentially makes these drugs less effective and therefore patients on these medications should discuss alternatives to Nexium with their healthcare provider. As Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it may also decrease the effectiveness of clopidogrel. Although there is disagreement on how serious a drug interaction this actually is, patients should not combine the medications without consulting their doctor first.
Significant Nexium Drug Interactions
Taking Nexium with certain other drugs such as tacrolimus, methotrexate, digoxin and cilostazol may increase the levels of these drugs in the body. In the case of tacrolimus, the oral form of the drug is particularly at risk from being affected by Nexium. Drugs like rifampin and St. John’s Wort can decrease levels of Nexium in the blood, rendering it less effective. When combined with certain diuretics including bumetanide, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone and torsemide, Nexium may cause hypomagnesemia.
Other Drugs That Can Potentially Interact With Nexium
There are several other drugs that may interact adversely with Nexium. Taking it with diazepam (valium) may lead to the body metabolizing both medications differently than intended. Nexium in combination with protease inhibitors is an interesting case, as it can decrease the level of atazanavir or nelfinavir in the blood yet conversely may increase the level of saquinavir. Patients should therefore check with their healthcare provider what specific effects Nexium may have on the particular protease inhibitor they’re taking.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of Nexium drug interactions. Patients should always consult their doctor on potential interactions with their current medications before starting Nexium. The patient’s current prescription medicines should be taken into account along with over-the-counter medications, vitamins and nutritional and herbal supplements.
