What Is Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)?

Date: Jul-16-2012Nexium, generic name esomeprazole, is a proton-pump inhibitor used for the treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), duodenal ulcer disease, and erosive esophagitis.

Proton-pump inhibitors are a group of drugs. Their main action is the reduction of stomach acid (gastric acid) production. Experts say proton pump inhibitors are the most powerful and effective inhibitors of stomach acid secretions on the market today.

Nexium is also used for the prevention of gastric ulcers in patients receiving long-term NSAID therapy, and for Crohn's disease patients with gastrointestinal ulcers.

Erosive esophagitis - gastric acids have powerful chemicals that the stomach can usually deal with, but not the delicate membranes of the esophagus. GERD that remains untreated can eventually cause tissue damage in the esophagus lining, resulting in erosive esophagitis.

Without treatment, erosive esophagitis can become a very serious condition. With treatment, however, the patient can make a full recovery.

According to pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, the makers and distributors of Nexium:

Patients cannot tell, without medical help, whether they have erosions in the esophagus and how serious they are
Even in mild cases of heartburn, damage caused by acid reflux may already have taken place
Patients with erosive esophagitis who take Nexium generally make a complete recovery within four to eight weeks.

Infants and young children - In May 2011, the FDA approved the use of Nexium I.V. for injection for children aged 1 month or more, for the short-term treatment of GERD with erosive esophagitis when it is neither possible nor appropriate to administer oral therapy. (Link to article)

Duodenal ulcer disease. Gastric ulcers appear either in the stomach or duodenum (duodenal ulcers). The majority of these ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that exists in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Esomeprazole is FDA approved if it is taken in combination with amoxicillin (or metronidazole in patients who are hypersensitive to penicillin) and clarithromycin, for the treatment of ulcers and H. pylori infection.

Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) pills, 40 mg

Side effects linked to Esomeprazole

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Headache
The following side effects have also been reported

Abdominal pain
Constipation
Dry mouth
Gas
Reduced appetite
The following more severe and rare side effects have also been reported

Accelerated heartbeat
Chest pain
Dark urine
Fatigue
Jaundice
Paresthesia - an abnormal bodily sensation of numbness, tingling, or burning
Persistent sore throat
Severe allergic reactions
Severe stomachache
Unusual bleeding
Unusual bruising

Esomeprazole, as with other proton pump inhibitors, is linked to a higher risk of developing hip fractures, as well as diarrhea linked to clostridium difficile.
Important information
Patients who are allergic to esomeprazole or other benzimidazole medications, such as mebendazole or albendazole, should not take Nexium.

Patients with severe liver disease should tell their doctor before taking Nexium.

Paitents with low blood magnesium levels should tell their doctor before taking Nexium.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

View drug information on Clarithromycin; Nexium.

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