What are the side effects of Nexium for babies?

Understanding Nexium and Its Side Effects in Babies
Nexium, known generically as esomeprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) commonly prescribed to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it is approved for use in children aged 1 to 11, its application in infants and babies raises significant concerns regarding safety and potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
For babies, the side effects of Nexium can mirror those seen in older children and adults, albeit with heightened caution due to their developing systems. Common side effects reported include:
– Gastrointestinal Issues: Babies may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps. These gastrointestinal disturbances can be particularly concerning in infants, as they can lead to dehydration or nutritional imbalances.

– Headaches: While headaches are a common side effect in older patients, their occurrence in infants is less documented but still possible.
Serious Risks
Beyond the common side effects, there are more severe risks associated with Nexium use in babies:
– Nutritional Absorption: Long-term use of PPIs like Nexium can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, particularly magnesium and calcium. This interference can lead to deficiencies that may affect a baby’s growth and development.
– Increased Risk of Infections: There is evidence suggesting that PPIs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections, such as Clostridium difficile, due to altered stomach acidity, which plays a role in pathogen defense.
– Bone Health Concerns: Prolonged use of Nexium has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures in older populations, raising concerns about potential impacts on bone health in developing infants.
Caution and Recommendations
Given these potential side effects, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to approach the use of Nexium in babies with caution. Healthcare providers typically recommend that the benefits of using Nexium outweigh the risks, especially in cases where the baby is suffering from severe acid-related conditions.
Parents should closely monitor their child for any adverse reactions and maintain open communication with their healthcare provider. If side effects occur, or if there are concerns about the necessity of the medication, it is essential to consult a pediatrician for guidance.
In summary, while Nexium can be effective for treating certain conditions in babies, its use comes with a spectrum of potential side effects that warrant careful consideration and monitoring.

How to wean baby off Nexium?

Few of these approaches work and let me explain why:

1. Cold turkey – just stop the medications.
2. Administer medications every other day.
3. Half the dose every 3 days.

How I cured my baby’s acid reflux?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Feed your baby in an upright position. Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding.
2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
3. Take time to burp your baby.
4. Put baby to sleep on the back.

How long can a baby be on NEXIUM?

The safety and effectiveness of NEXIUM have been established in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age for short-term treatment (up to eight weeks) of GERD.

Is there a lawsuit against Nexium?

AstraZeneca entered into a bulk settlement of kidney claims against them relating to Nexium and Prilosec (marketed as Losec in Australia) for USD$425 million on 3 October 2023.

What are bad reactions to NEXIUM?

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. Low magnesium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors.

Is acid reflux medicine bad for babies?

Acid suppressants have been linked to a higher risk of serious infections5,6 and fractures. Weighing the risks of these medications against their unclear benefit, Choosing Wisely and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended against their use in infants with GER.

What is a safer alternative to Nexium?

Alternatives can offer relief for occasional use, such as:

• chewable calcium carbonate tablets.
• liquids like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox) or aluminum/magnesium/simethicone (Mylanta)
• acid-reducing drugs like famotidine (Pepcid) or cimetidine (Tagamet)

Is Nexium good for baby reflux?

Treating GORD with medications
If your baby has reflux, but not GORD, there are no medications that can help. Babies with GORD are sometimes given medications to help reduce stomach acid. There are 2 types of these medications: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (such as Losec or Nexium)

What organs does Nexium affect?

Many people taking Nexium (esomeprazole) short term may experience mild gut-related side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Long-term use, such as 2 months or more, could increase the risk of more serious side effects such as low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, bone fractures, or kidney problems.

What are the side effects of NEXIUM in infants?

Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Gas.
• Dry mouth.
• Upset stomach.