Esomeprazole, better known by its brand name Nexium, is a medication produced by AstraZeneca. Nexium is a type of drug called a proton-pump inhibitor. Proton pumps are specialized parts in the cells of the lining of the stomach that produce stomach acid. Nexium is available as capsules or as an IV in the United States. In the United Kingdom and Canada, Nexium is available as tablets or as a granular powder used to make an oral suspension.
Uses for Nexium
Physicians prescribe Nexium for a variety of stomach conditions associated with the overproduction of stomach acid. For example, Nexium can help patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Nexium can also assist with the problems that result from GERD, such as erosive esophagus, according to the AstraZeneca website. Physicians prescribe Nexium to reduce stomach acid to assist in the healing of gastric ulcers, or in pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, in which the patient's stomach continually excretes too much stomach acid.
Caplets vs. Tablets
The Astra-Zeneca website offers no explanation as to why Nexium is available in the same dosages, 20 milligrams and 40 milligrams, but in different forms in the United States, versus the United Kingdom and Canada. Patients who have difficulty swallowing pills may prefer the convenience of a capsule, which can be opened and mixed with applesauce or water, much like the granular version of Nexium that is available in the United Kingdom. Tablets are typically not coated like capsules and are more difficult to swallow.
Precautions
No matter which form of Nexium you are taking, you should notify your physician about your other prescriptions. Nexium causes interactions with a number of other medications. For example, Nexium decreases the effectiveness of some medicines, such as atazanavir, a drug commonly used to treat HIV infections. On the other hand, some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of Nexium or make it overly potent. If you are taking one of these medications, your physician may choose to prescribe another proton-pump inhibiting medication.
How to Get Nexium
If you suffer from GERD or ulcers, ask your physician about taking Nexium. Nexium is only available by prescription in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. If you live in the United Kingdom, you may be able to select your preferred form of the medication: the tablet form or the the granule form. As of 2011, a generic form of Nexium is not available. If your insurance plan will not cover Nexium, your physician may be able to suggest alternatives.
