Generic name:esomeprazole (oral route) [ es-oh-MEP-ra-zole-mag-NEE-zee-um ]
Drug class:Proton pump inhibitors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- NexIUM
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule, Delayed Release
- Packet
- Tablet, Delayed Release
Therapeutic Class: Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitor
Pharmacologic Class: Esomeprazole
Uses for Nexium
Esomeprazole is used to treat conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition wherein the stomach produces too much acid. Esomeprazole is also used with antibiotics (eg, amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat ulcers that are caused by the H. pylori bacteria. This medicine is also used to prevent stomach ulcers and stomach irritation in patients taking NSAIDs (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen) for long periods of time.
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by decreasing the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach.
This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor’s prescription.
Before using Nexium
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of esomeprazole for GERD in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been e...
