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Nexium ® - Esomeprazole
Contents of this Article
Nexium - Esomeprazole and GERD
Esomeprazole - chemical name - Pronunciation - ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole
Nexium - brand name
The Purple Pill
Nexium is available with a doctor's prescription and is commonly called by it's brand name, Nexium. Nexium belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors, or PPI's. They are:
- Nexium - Esomeprazole
- Prilosec - Omeprazole
- Prevacid - Lansoprazole
- Protonix - Pantoprazole
- Aciphex - Rabeprazole
Chemically, Nexium is very similar to Prilosec - Omeprazole.
PPIs reduce the production of acid in the stomach and intestines by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Decreasing stomach acid can help ulcers to heal and reflux, or heartburn symptoms to subside.
Nexium is used to treat * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erosive* esophagitis, and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. The FDA also approved Nexium, in combination with two antibiotics, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, to treat * helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which is responsible for the majority of * gastric ulcers and * duodenal ulcers. Nexium may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Duodenal Ulcer - Pronounced - doo-AW-duh-nul UL-sur
Duodenal ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The duodenum is right after your stomach.
* Esophagitis - Pronounced - eh-saw-fuh-JY-tis
Esophagitis is an irritation of the esophagus, usually caused by acid that flows up from the stomach. The esophagus (eh-SAW-fuh-gus), also spelled oesophagus and also called gullet, is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
* Gastric Ulcer - Pronounced - GAH-strik UL-sur
Gastric ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called Stomach Ulcer.
* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Pronounced - GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.
* Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) - Pronounced - HELL-uh-koh-BAK-tur py-LOH-ree
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral shaped bacterium found in the stomach. H. pylori damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers. Previously called Campylobacter pylori.
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