Can You Open Nexium Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Nexium capsules can be opened.
Is it safe if I open the Nexium capsules I got over the counter?
Aug 04, 2022- You can open Nexium capsules and sprinkle the contents on soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, but you must swallow the beads whole without chewing them. The capsule contains tiny enteric-coated beads that are designed to protect the medication from stomach acid, and chewing them will destroy this coating and make the drug less effective. Use the opened capsule contents right away and do not mix them with food or drink to store for later.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us!
Nexium (esomeprazole) capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a semi-solid food (like applesauce) or a drink. However, it is extremely important to not chew the contents of Nexium capsules. Swallow them whole. So, if you sprinkle the contents on, say, applesauce, do not chew it. Swallow each bite whole.
Keep The Nexium Capsule Contents Intact
When you open Nexium capsules, you'll notice they don't contain a powder, but rather a large number of tiny drug-containing beads. These beads are both enteric-coated, and delayed-release. These properties allow the drug to be protected from stomach acid and better absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
If you chew the beads, or otherwise break them, this will ruin the enteric coating, causing the drug to be released sooner than designed. This will decrease the absorption of the drug, causing it to be less effective.
So, the main point here is that if you open Nexium capsules, sprinkle the contents on an easy-to-eat food, like yogurt or applesauce, and swallow the contents, do not chew it.
How Long Are The Nexium Capsule Contents Good For?
Studies show that the contents of Nexium capsules are stable for at least 30 minutes when mixed with yogurt, milk (cultured), water, fruit juice, or applesauce.
So, even though you have some time, you want to consume the food or drink immediately after mixing the Nexium capsule contents. Do not mix and store for later use. As mentioned above, swallow whole, and don't chew.
Final Words
Thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to hearing from you again!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Esomeprazole
- The active medication in Nexium that reduces stomach acid.
- Enteric-coated
- A special coating on the drug beads that protects them from being broken down by stomach acid.
- Delayed-release
- A formulation designed to release the medication slowly in the intestines rather than immediately in the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal tract
- The digestive system pathway from the mouth through the stomach and intestines.
- Absorption
- The process by which the body takes in and utilizes a medication.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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