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Nexium ® - Esomeprazole

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Information On Nexium & How Nexium Works

Esomeprazole - chemical name - Pronunciation - ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole
Nexium - brand name
The Purple Pill

The stomach produces * hydrochloric acid (HCl) when you eat something. On average, the stomach produces 2 liters of hydrochloric acid (HCl) daily. In the stomach, your food is broken down by the stomach acids in preparation for digestion. When we eat such things as bread, meat, and vegetables, they are not in a form that the body can use as nourishment.

Our food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into their smallest parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells and to provide energy.

The * esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It carries food, liquids, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. A ringlike valve at the bottom of your esophagus, called the * lower esophageal sphincter, prevents reflux (or backing up) of acid. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) usually remains closed. It relaxes during swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction.

If the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) stays relaxed more frequently than normal, acid and food particles seep out of the stomach and up into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux. When gastroesophageal reflux symtoms worsen, or are severe enough to cause more serious problems, it is then a disease called * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In some people, this can cause * esophagitis. Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can determine if you have this damage. Esophagitis is one of the more serious forms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated, the acid from the stomach can wear away or erode the lining of your esophagus.

Esophageal damage caused by GERD may lead to even more serious complications, including * stricture, hemorrhage (heavy bleeding), a precancerous condition known as * Barrett's esophagus, and * eophageal cancer.

Other Causes of Esophagitis

Certain infections, such as a fungus infection (monilia, candida) and viruses, can occur in the esophagus and cause inflammation. Irradiation and caustic substances, like lye, also can cause esophagitis. Acid reflux from the stomach, however, is the most common cause of the condition.

The proton pump inhibitor, Nexium, blocks the formation of acid in the stomach, which can then help heal erosive esophagitis and the relief of heartburn symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 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.

That's how Nexium can help. Nexium blocks the formation of acid in the stomach, which can then help heal erosive esophagitis and the relief of heartburn symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Nexium doesn't block all your stomach acid, so you do have enough to still digest your food. Nexium blocks enough stomach acid so the stomach acid won't come back up into the esophagus and cause serious damage. It is very important to heal the esophagus.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Amino Acid
Any of a class of 20 molecules that are combined to form proteins in living things. The sequence of amino acids in a protein and hence protein function are determined by the genetic code.

* Barrett's Esophagus
Pronounced - BAH-ruts eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus have changed or been replaced with abnormal cells that could lead to cancer of the esophagus. The backing up of stomach contents (reflux) may irritate the esophagus and, over time, cause Barrett's esophagus. More about Barrett's Esophagus

* 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.

* Enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

* Esophageal
Pronounced - eh-SOF-a-JEE-al
Esophageal is having to do with the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the 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. More about Esophagitis

* Esophagus
Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Esophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.

* 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. More about GERD

* 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.

* Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Pronounced - hy-droh-KLOR-ik ASS-id
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is an acid made in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid works with * pepsin and other * enzymes to break down * proteins.

* Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Pronounced - LOH-wur uh-saw-fuh-JEE-ul SFEENK-tur
Lower esophageal sphincter is the muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed at other times to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.

* Pepsin
Pronounced - PEP-sin
Pepsin is an enzyme made in the stomach that breaks down proteins.

* Proteins
A molecule made up of * amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin, hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.

* Small Intestine
The small intestine is the organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 22 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. More about Small Intestine.

* Stricture
Pronounced - STRIK-sher
Stricture is the abnormal narrowing of a body opening. Also called stenosis.

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The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.