According to Drugs.com, Nexium and Prilosec belong to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs used to suppress or block the production of acid in the stomach and aid in the healing of various disorders of the stomach. Nexium's generic name is esomeprazole; Prilosec's generic name is omeprazole.
Uses
According to Drugs.com, Nexium is mainly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition in which the stomach produces too much acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach injures the esophagus. Nexium blocks stomach acid and allow the esophagus to heal. Nexium may also be used to treat duodenal ulcers, stomach ulcers and stress ulcers. Patients taking nonsteroidal noninflammatory drugs for chronic pain may be prescribed Nexium so as to prevent stomach bleeding. Prilosec is used together with other drugs to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Prilosec is also used in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and patients taking nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases so as to prevent stomach irritation.
Contraindications
Drugs.com states that patients allergic to esomeprazole and ingredients in Nexium should not take Nexium. Nexium contains magnesium and should not be used by patients with kidney problems. Patients allergic to omeprazole and ingredients in Prilosec should not take Prilosec. Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions caused by allergy to Nexium and Prilosec include difficulties breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, swelling of the face and tongue, and hives. Nexium and Prilosec should also not be used in patients with severe liver disease, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, bloody stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, pain in swallowing, frequent chest pain, nausea and vomiting.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, common side effects of Nexium include headache, drowsiness, nausea, gas, stomach pain, constipation and dry mouth. Common side effects of Prilosec include headache, cough, stomach pain, constipation, gas, nausea and vomiting. Prolonged suppression of stomach acid by Nexium and Prilosec may cause life-threatening side effects such as liver damage, growth of fungus in the esophagus and growth of cancerous polyps in the wall of the stomach.
Availability
According to Drugs.com, Nexium is available as prescription delayed-release capsules. A delayed-release oral suspension is available for patients who may have problems swallowing the capsules. Nexium powder is also for intravenous administration in patients who cannot take the drug by mouth. Prilosec is available as delayed-release capsules and tablets. A delayed release oral suspension is available for patients with swallowing problems. Prilosec is available over-the-counter as Prilosec OTC.
Directions of Use
Drugs.com states that Nexium capsules should be taken with a full glass of water one hour before meals, preferably in the morning. Nexium should not be crushed, broken or chewed because the capsules are designed to be released slowly in the body. Patients having swallowing problems may pour the contents of Nexium capsule into applesauce and swallow immediately without chewing. Prilosec capsules or tablets should be taken in the morning one hour before breakfast. The capsules and tablets should bot be crashed or chewed for the medication is designed to be released slowly in the body. Prilosec OTC should be taken once a day for 14 days. Patients should allow four months to pass before taking another 14 days treatment with Prilosec OTC. Nexium and Prilosec should not be used for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms because the drugs may take up to four days to begin working
Warning
The Food and Drug Administration website states that Prilosec, Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors may cause increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. The risk is increased in patients over 50 years of age who have been taking high doses of Nexium and Prilosec for a long time. The FDA recommends that doctors prescribe the lowest possible dose and for a shorter duration in order to decrease risk of fractures.
