Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when acid flows back from the stomach causing heartburn and esophagus injury. It also is used to treat and prevent recurrence of stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori, as well as for conditions in which too much stomach acid is produced. Nexium contains the active ingredient esomeprazole as well as many inactive ingredients.
Fillers
Nexium contains the fillers hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc and hypromellose, which make the Nexium pill larger, help the active ingredient esomeprazole bind to the rest of the pill, and prevent moisture from entering the pill. Sugar spheres are coated with the active ingredient to provide sustained release of drug.
Coloring
Nexium contains several food colorings and chemicals to give the pill its purple appearance. Nexium includes the food colorings FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, D&C Red #28 and D&C Yellow #10. Nexium also includes titanium dioxide, a "pearling" agent normally used to make pills white.
Coating
Gelatin is a pill coating that makes Nexium easier to swallow. Shellac is a water-resistant coating that makes sure Nexium will be broken down in the intestinal tract instead of the mouth, throat or stomach. Sodium hydroxide is used to neutralize acid in the Nexium pill and bring the pH up to a more neutral and less caustic level.
Other Agents
Nexium contains propylene glycol and polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, which increase the solubility of the active ingredient esomeprazole, ensuring it is absorbed properly in the body. Nexium also contains glyceryl monostearate 40-55, an emulsifying agent, which means it keeps oils and water mixed in the Nexium pill. Methacrylic acid copolymer type C and triethyl citrate are plasticizers, chemicals that make Nexium resistant to gastric acid, thus ensuring it breaks down in the intestinal tract. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone helps the Nexium pill disintegrate in the proper aqueous environment.
Manufacturing Additives
Magnesium stearate is an oil that speeds up the pill-manufacturing process by making the Nexium mix flow smoother. Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and n-butyl alcohol are used as solvents to mix the Nexium pill components.
