Nexium

Nexium is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori infections. It is also used to prevent stomach ulcers in people taking NSAIDs. As a proton pump inhibitor, the medication decreases the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites. Some of the common side effects of Nexium include nausea, headaches, and diarrhea.

What Is Nexium?

Nexium^® (esomeprazole magnesium) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is also known as "the purple pill" because it is a purple capsule with two or three gold rings, depending on the strength.

Who Makes It?

Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

What Is Nexium Used For?

Nexium is licensed to treat or prevent a number of conditions. These uses include:

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Treatment of erosive esophagitis
Prevention of stomach ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, in which stomach acid is greatly overproduced, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How Does It Work?

Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It decreases the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the acid production sites.

What Are the Effects of Nexium?

Nexium reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, helping heartburn and other GERD symptoms go away. Also, lowering the amount of stomach acid allows any damage already done to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines time to heal.

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