Esomeprazole
Esomeprazole, sold here as Nexium, is a proton-pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid to relieve heartburn and acid regurgitation. Nexium comes in 20 mg and 40 mg capsules for Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease and Peptic Ulcer Disease.
Key points
- Esomeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor, a class that reduces acid by blocking the pumps in the stomach lining.
- Do not take esomeprazole with nelfinavir, an HIV medicine.
- Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea are the most common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people.
How does Esomeprazole work?
The proton pumps are the final step before acid is released into the stomach. When esomeprazole switches them off, less acid reaches the oesophagus, and the burning and regurgitation of reflux ease. The medicine is intended for short-term use in adults and is part of the Digestive Health range.