Main use Active ingredient Manufacturer
Peptic ulcers, acid reflux Esomeprazole AstraZeneca

How does it work?
Nexium tablets and injection contain the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. It acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.

Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid.

Acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. However, in the condition known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, this acid is allowed to flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus), where it causes pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. The acid can also irritate and cause inflammation of the lining of the foodpipe (reflux oesophagitis).

Esomeprazole reduces the production of stomach acid and thus reduces acid flowing back into the foodpipe. It is used to relieve the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, such as heartburn. It is also used to treat reflux oesophagitis, because stopping the acid flowing back into the foodpipe allows the lining of the foodpipe to heal. Esomeprazole is also used for the long-term management of people with healed oesophagitis, as suppressing the production of stomach acid helps prevent this condition recurring.

Esomeprazole is also used to treat ulcers in the stomach or upper intestine (peptic ulcers) that are associated with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This type of bacteria is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. The bacteria cause the stomach to produce too much acid, which irritates the lining of the stomach and upper intestine and causes ulcers.

Esomeprazole is used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the gut. The esomeprazole creates an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can work effectively against the H pylori bacteria. The reduced acid in the gut allows the ulcer to heal, and both actions help prevent the ulcer from recurring.

Esomeprazole can also be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat arthritis, for example diclofenac.

What is it used for?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Treatment and prevention of peptic ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the gut (in combination with antibiotics), which helps to heal peptic ulcers and prevent them from recurring.
Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
Warning!
Nexium tablets should be swallowed whole; do not chew or crush them. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets whole they can be dispersed in a glass of still water. Stir until the tablets disintegrate. The mixture will not be clear, as it will contain solid granules from the tablet. These granules should not be crushed or chewed, as they contain the medicine and are covered with a special coating. Drink the mixture immediately or at least within 30 minutes (stir again before drinking), then rinse the glass around with water and drink to make sure you have taken all the medicine. Do not use any liquid other than still water to disperse the tablets, as this may affect the medicine.
Stomac