Nexium Generic is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the p cation of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very similar to omeprazole. Esomeprazole was approved by the FDA in February 2001. It reduces acid secretion through inhibition of ATPase in gastric parietal cells. By inhibiting the functioning of this enzyme, the drug prevents formation of gastric acid.
Primary Uses:
1) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- It’s a condition in which the digestive acid in the stomach comes in contact with the food pipe. An irritation occurs due to this known as heartburn.
There are several tests that can be performed to test GERD, they are Barium X-rays, Endoscopic Examination, PH Monitor, Examination, Manometer
2) Duodenal Ulcers -A duodenal ulcer is a defect in the lining of the stomach and the duodenum. small intestines is protected against the irritating acids produced in your stomach. If this protective lining stops working correctly and the lining breaks down, it results in inflammation an ulcer.
To diagnose an ulcer, your doctor will order one of the following tests:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or upper endoscopy) is a special test performed by a gastroenterologist. A thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through your mouth into the GI tract to see your stomach and small intestine. Upper GI is a series of x-rays taken after you drink a thick substance called barium.
Signs and Symptoms:
Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms. Some ulcers can cause serious bleeding. Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but it doesn’t always occur. The pain can differ from person to person. Other symptoms include feeling of fullness, unable to drink as much fluid, hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach, often 1 – 3 hours after a meal, mild nausea (vomiting may relieve this symptom), pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen upper abdominal pain that wakes you up at night. Other possible symptoms include bloody or dark tarry stools, chest pain, fatigue, vomiting, possibly bloody and Weight loss
Dosing:
1) For GERD, 20 or 40 mg of esomeprazole is given once daily for 4-8 weeks. In children ages 1-11, the dose is 10 or 20 mg daily.
2) For the treatment of H. pylori, 40 mg is administered once daily in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 10 days.The dose for preventing NSAID-induced ulcers is 20 to 40 mg daily for 6 months.
3) Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is treated with 40 mg twice daily.
HOW TO USE:
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using esomeprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth at least 1 hour before a meal, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are taking this medication by mouth, empty the contents of the medication packet into a container with 1 tablespoon (half an ounce or 15 milliliters) of water. Stir the mixture well and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Stir again and drink all of the mixture within 30 minutes. If any medication remains in the container, add more water, stir, and drink immediately to make sure you take the entire dose. Do not crush or chew the medication granules. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects.