Description

Nexium (generic name: esomeprazole; brand names include: Esomiz / Sompraz / Zoleri / Lucen / Esopral / Axagon / Nexiam) is a type of medicine known as an acid pump inhibitor (also known as a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI) which is used for the treatment of certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach.

Since its approval in 2001, Nexium has been prescribed more than 147 million times.

Nexium is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease (GERD), which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet. By reducing acid production in the stomach, Nexium reduces the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus and causing reflux symptoms. But you still have enough acid to take care of digestion.

Nexium is also indicated for the short-term and maintenance treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. With Nexium, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks.

Nexium is also used to decrease the chance of getting an ulcer in people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori).

Nexium is also used for long-term treatment of conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) in which the stomach makes too much acid.

In clinical tests, up to 94% of patients were healed with Nexium.