I was diagnosed with acid reflux diseaase about a year ago after undergoing ph monitoring. Had endoscopy and the esophagus showed no signs of erosion. I was prescribed Nexium 40 mg one pill before dinner. I was ok at first but then started to suffer from diarreah. I stopped and then started again a few weeks later and it happened agisn. I switched to Prilosec otc 20 mg instead, and the diarreah stopped. Is it ok to remain on the prilocec long term??It seems to help without the side effects. Thank you for any info you can give me. Susan from NY
Q: Was taking Nexium 40 mg and it caused diarreah. I switched to Prilocsec otc-is this ok
Answers (4)
5/20/08 10:07am
Nexium is actually the newer formulation of Prilosec, and the two medications are only slightly different versions of the same molecule. Each version is known as an "enantiomer." While some enantiomers can be entirely different in their side effects and ability to treat disease, studies have found minimal to no difference in the effects of Prilosec and Nexium.
5/10/08 2:53pm
Hi Susan Schecter,
Proton Pump Inhibitors like Nexium and Prilosec have been determined to be safe for long term use and do have diarrhea listed as a potential side effect. There is some controversy however about proton pump inhibitors contributing to bone issues, specifically hip problems. You can read more about that in this share post by Dr Todd Esiner. You can also read a post by Dr Eisner about long term use here, question 5.
I hope this helps. Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
5/13/08 6:18pm
hello,
like you i too used to take nexium, but experienced the same symptoms plus a few more. i talked with my nurse and she said that prilosec 20mg worked just as well, but without the side effects. plus it's cheaper and you don't need to wait an hr. on a empty stomach before you eat.
our body chemistry is different, so what may work at long periods of time for one or a few, may not work as well for another. so i suggest you speak with your dr. and get his/her opinion. should you notice any changes then create a diary for about a week then present those changes to your dr. A.S.A.P.
samuel
6/ 7/10 9:15am
Nexium (Esomeprazole) is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux.
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