What is Nexium?
Nexium and other PPIs are prescribed for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastric conditions.
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), one of the most widely sold groups of drugs in the world.PPIs such as Nexium reduce stomach acid secretion. They affect the parietal cells in the stomach wall. These cells secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, an important factor in the absorption of vitamin B 12.
The drug works by inhibiting hydrogen potassium ATPase (H+/K+ ATPase), a transporter that is responsible for acidifying the stomach.