Manufacturer: Astra Zeneca
Pharmaceutical name: Esomeprazole
Pack: 28 pills (40 mg)
Esomeprazole is the main component in Nexium. It functions as a proton pump inhibitor. This medication is designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It reduces acid production by inhibiting ATPase in the gastric parietal cells, thus preventing the formation of gastric acid. Nexium can relieve symptoms of acid reflux disease for an entire day and can heal erosions in the esophagus, which is why it is referred to as the Healing Purple Pill.
Nexium is primarily utilized to treat erosive esophagitis, where it is indicated for both the symptomatic treatment and healing of clinically confirmed erosive esophagitis (EE). Additionally, it is used to maintain healing and resolution of EE. Erosive esophagitis is a potentially serious condition resulting from damage to the esophagus, mainly caused by stomach acid eroding the esophageal lining. Nexium is also prescribed for managing GERD and its accompanying symptoms, such as heartburn. Symptoms of acid reflux disease typically include frequent heartburn occurring for two or more days each week, despite dietary adjustments and treatment. The medication is also suitable for pediatric use in children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years. However, its effectiveness in infants under 1 year has not been established, and the safety of administering Nexium to infants is not confirmed.
Each dose of Nexium should be consumed with a full glass of water. Patients with GERD seeking to heal erosive esophagitis should take a daily dosage of 20mg or 40mg for a duration of 4 to 8 weeks as directed. For maintenance of healing esophagitis, a daily dose of 20mg is recommended. A dosage of 20mg daily for 4 weeks is suggested for treating symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disorder. For short-term treatments of GERD in pediatric patients (ages 12 to 17), a dose of 20mg or 40mg is given for up to 8 weeks, while for those aged 1 to 11 years, 10mg is given once daily for 8 weeks. The medicine can be taken from the capsule and swallowed whole without chewing, and it can also be administered via a nasogastric feeding tube.
If you have an allergy to Nexium, you may experience symptoms such as swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, and face; difficulties in breathing; and hives.