GERD Treatment Drug Nexium

 

What is Nexium?

Nexium is a brand name for esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor developed and marketed by AstraZeneca. It is used to treat a number of conditions of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. These included dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, acid reflux and Zollinger-Elison syndrome. One of its primary uses is in the treatment of duodenal ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori, prevention of gastric ulcers in the course of NSAID therapy and the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers in Crohn’s disease. It is also used for the treatment of conditions in which there is overproduction of stomach acids. Proton pump inhibitors, the group of drugs to which Nexium belongs, are used in general to decrease the volume of stomach acid by blocking the production of acid. The most common cause of peptic ulcers is helicobacter pylori infection. Nexium is used in combination with an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or clarithromycin to clear helicobacter infection. Treating the infection in this way will reduce the possibility of recurrence of peptic ulcer.

How does Nexium work?

By blocking the production of acid in the stomach, Nexium decreases the overall amount of acid in the digestive tract. This relieves the symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn. The drug also supports the healing of damage to the esophagus and stomach lining by stomach acid by lowering the acidity of the intestinal environment.

What does Nexium look like?

Nexium is sold in a purple capsule with strengths of 20 or 40 mg. The capsules are imprinted with Nexium 40 mg and Nexium 20 mg respectively. The distinctive color of the Nexium capsule has led to the drug being popularly referred to as “the purple pill”.

Nexium dosing and administration

The standard initial dose of Nexium is 20 mg once daily for a period of between four and eight weeks. In patients with gastroesophageal disease advanced enough to cause erosive esophagitis, the dose may be increased by the physician to 40 mg daily for four to eight weeks followed by a further period of 20 mg once daily as a preventive measure against the return of erosive esophagitis

Common adverse effects from Nexium

Adverse effects of Nexium may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, anorexia, constipation, dry mouth and abdominal pain. There may occasionally be more severe side effects including allergic reactions, chest pain, dark urine, tachycardia, fever, throat irritation, stomach irritation, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme tiredness and jaundice. Proton pump inhibitors have been reported as being responsible for a greater risk of hip fractures and an increase risk of pneumonia. A particular problem with Nexium is headaches, which may occur in up to 5.5% of patients.

Interactions with Nexium

Nexium may interact with drugs such as diazepam and warfarin, increasing their concentration if used concurrently. The effects of the blood thinner Plavix may be reduced if used with Nexium. The action of drugs which depend on an acid stomach environment may be impaired. These include ketoconazole (Nizoral) and atazanavir. Drugs such as erythromycin which degrade in an acid environment may be potentiated.