Nexium® (
esomeprazole magnesium) is a prescription medicine commonly used for treating
GERD (
gastroesophageal reflux disease). It can also be used to prevent stomach ulcers and to treat
H. pylori infections and pathological hypersecretory conditions. The medication comes in capsules and in powder form (used to make an oral suspension).
The recommended Nexium dosage for the treatment of GERD is 20 mg once a day for four to eight weeks. If your GERD is severe enough to cause esophageal erosions, the recommended dose is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for four to eight weeks, followed by 20 mg once daily.
The usual starting dose to reduce the risk of a stomach ulcer associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is Nexium 20 mg or Nexium 40 mg once a day for up to six months.
Treatment for
H. pylori infections involves using two other drugs in addition to Nexium. Triple therapy to kill
H. pylori involves taking 40 mg of Nexium (once a day) plus
amoxicillin and
clarithromycin for 10 days.
For the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, the recommended dosage is 40 mg of Nexium twice daily.
(Click Nexium Dosing for more detailed dosing information for this medication, including dosing guidelines for children with GERD.)
