Nexium Esomeprazole Magnesium

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.

Uses

Nexium is most commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Dyspepsia, or indigestion: Symptoms include nausea, heartburn, and upper abdominal fullness and pain.
Peptic ulcer disease: There is a gap in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or intestine.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid comes up from the stomach into the esophagus and damages the mucosa, leading to heartburn.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A pancreatic tumor overstimulates the production of stomach acid.
Nexium may be used by patients who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is due to NSAIDs' propensity to produce stomach ulcers; Nexium helps prevent their formation.
PPIs include Aciphex, Zegerid, Prilosec, Protonix and Prevacid.
The effects of Nexium on mild symptoms are comparable to similar drugs. However, Nexium appears to be more effective than some drugs for more severe symptoms.
It also appears to improve esophageal healing rates, compared with some other leading brands.

Dosage

Nexium comes as a capsule, which prevents it from being released too quickly. A rapid release would cause the medication to be broken down by the stomach acid.
Other ways of taking it include mixing granules with water, and delivering this solution through a feeding tube.
It is usually taken once a day, at the same time every day, around 1 hour before eating. For some conditions, it is taken twice a day.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and to read the information leaflet carefully.