Nexium (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of acid-related diseases. Esomeprazole is approved for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (Biaxin) for the treatment of patients with ulcers and H. pylori infection. It also is used for reducing the risk of gastric ulcers associated with NSAIDs and the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Nexium relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)—a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also prescribed to heal the damage (erosive esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause. Esomeprazole may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By acting on the proton pump, Nexium blocks the final step in acid production, thus reducing gastric acidity.
Esomeprazole, like other PPIs, is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash and dizziness. Nervousness, abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps and water retention occur infrequently. The other Nexium adverse events, or side effects, associated with Nexium are headache, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.