Can you take Nexium on an empty stomach?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Nexium on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can and you should take Nexium on an empty stomach. This is an over-the-counter acid reducer which works best when you take it half an hour before your meals.
This way the drug starts to work by decreasing the amount of acid production in your stomach and an empty stomach enhances the absorption of the med.
However, it can be taken with food as well and there are no restrictions, but taking it with food will most likely delay the onset of action.
Nexium is not the type of medication that can cause gastrointestinal side effects when taken on an empty stomach like other OTC meds, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Naproxen, Aspirin, etc).
If you have any other questions regarding the proper use of Nexium, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential benefits of taking Nexium on an empty stomach
Taking Nexium (esomeprazole) on an empty stomach offers several benefits, including:
Improved Acid Suppression
Nexium belongs to a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the production of stomach acid (1,2).
Taking it on an empty stomach ensures that the drug can reach its target in the stomach and inhibit acid secretion more effectively- which can manage relayed symptoms, like nausea, stomach pain, burning sensation, etc.
Enhanced Symptom Relief
By taking Nexium before eating, you can better control and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. The medication needs time to work in the stomach and reduce the acidity that causes these symptoms.
Faster Onset of Action
Taking Nexium on an empty stomach allows it to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream (3). This can lead to a faster onset of action and provide relief from acid-related symptoms sooner.
Optimal Medication Absorption
Some medications, including Nexium, may interact with food, beverages, or other drugs when taken together. Taking Nexium on an empty stomach helps minimize these interactions and ensures that the medication is absorbed properly.
Final words
To sum up, Nexium can be taken with or without food- but taking it on an empty stomach is considered beneficial. However, it’s important to note that the specific instructions for taking Nexium may vary depending on the formulation and the advice of your healthcare provider.
Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and consult them if you have any questions
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References
1.-
Baker DE. Esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium). Rev Gastroenterol Disord. 2001;1(1):32-41. PMID: 12120118. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12120118/
2.-
Ahmed A, Clarke JO. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491317. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557385
3.-
Sostek MB, Chen Y, Andersson T. Effect of timing of dosing in relation to food intake on the pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Sep;64(3):386-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02889.x. Epub 2007 Apr 10. PMID: 17425628; PMCID: PMC2000656. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2000656/
