Trade name | Nexium®

Trade name

Nexium®

Chemical name

Esomeprazole

Dosage forms

  • Nexium® Mups 20mg (Multiple Unit Pellet System)
  • Nexium® Mups 40mg (Multiple Unit Pellet System)
  • Nexium® 40mg powder for the preparation of an infusion solution

Mode of action

Nexium® with its active ingredient esomeprazole belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitors. The active ingredient is absorbed as a so-called pro-drug, which means that it is first absorbed in the small intestine, circulates in the blood and then, in the cells of the stomach, develops its effect. Nexium® must therefore be taken in an acid-proof capsule, as the stomach acid would decompose the active ingredient.

In the cells of the stomach the active substance becomes active and sets at a proton pump (medically: proton potassium ATPase) in the so-called occupancy cells of the stomach. The proton pump pumps protons into the stomach, where they increase the amount of hydrochloric acid (HCL) through a chemical reaction. This pump is thus responsible for the formation of gastric acid.

Nexium® acts on this pump and irreversibly inhibits it. This means that the amount of acid in the stomach can be significantly reduced by Nexium®. Since about one third of the proton pumps are newly formed every day, there is no complete inhibition of acid production. To maintain the effect of NNexium®, another tablet must be taken after 24 hours.

Fields of application of Nexium®.

Nexium® is used for reflux esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection with Helicobacter pylori, and ulcers of the stomach or duodenum.

Side effects

Nexium®, like all proton pump inhibitors, is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects are rare and minor, with gastrointestinal tract disorders occurring in 1-2% of those treated. This may result in complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence.

In some cases, taking Nexium® can also lead to fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, depression and joint pain. Intravenous administration of an infusion solution of Nexium® can also lead to visual and hearing problems. If side effects occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately, who can decide on further measures.

The use of Nexium® can lead to interaction with other drugs.Since Nexium® leads to a lower acidity in the stomach, the absorption of some drugs is affected. This is the case, for example, with ketoconazole and itraconazole, both drugs used to treat a fungal infection. A doctor should also be consulted if the drugs Atazanavir and Nelfinavir (in the case of HIV infection) are being taken.

Since Nexium® is broken down by an enzyme through which other drugs are also broken down, interactions can also occur there. For example, there are higher concentrations of the antidepressants citalopram, imipramine and clomipramine and the sedative diazepam. Conversely, by the same effect, clarithromycin (an antibiotic) can increase the concentration of Nexium® in the body, as it inhibits its breakdown. A doctor should also be informed if the blood-thinning drug warfarin is being used. Further interactions when taking Nexium® can occur when taking Casapride, Digoxin, Rifampicin, and St. John’s wort at the same time.