Nexium, the brand name for the drug Esomeprazole, is taken orally as treatment against gastrointestinal disorders which involves an excessive amount of stomach acid. It is often recommended for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and duodenal ulcers.
GERD, also called acid reflux disease, is occurring when bile or stomach acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus which is the passageway connecting the mouth and the stomach. While most people have already experienced acid indigestion, GERD is more than just a heartburn as it occurs more than twice a week and cannot be remedied by simple dietary modifications and over-the-counter antacids. A patient’s normal lifestyle can be affected due to the discomfort GERD can cause.
Duodenal ulcers are basically sores that form on the upper small intestine. Because of constant irritation, it is difficult for them to heal well. Duodenal, including esophageal and stomach ulcers are usually referred to as peptic ulcers. Antibiotics, in addition to a drug that inhibits acids, may have to be prescribed to patients if the ulcer is caused by a bacterium.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which tumors can form in the duodenum, or upper small intestine. Tumors may also form in the pancreas or adjacent lymph nodes. The tumors secrete a hormone called gastrin, which leads to excess production of stomach acid, which may also cause ulcers. Surgery to remove the tumors is sometimes required, but relief from the acid may be found with drugs such as this.
Over time, untreated gastrointestinal disorders that lead to an abundance of acid production may cause ulcers to develop in the stomach or esophagus. Patients often report few symptoms other than pain. Without care, however, the ulcers themselves can cause further damage. Scarring may develop, making it difficult for the body to move food through the system. Ulcers may bleed internally, causing anemia or even more severe health problems. If the ulcers manage to eat their way through the stomach or intestine wall, infections may result, sometimes becoming quite serious.
Patients may be given proton pump inhibitors for conditions that make the stomach produce an overbearing amount of acid. These drugs discourage high output of gastric acid. They cannot provide cure in some circumstances, such as when a patient suffers from the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They can, however, help relieve the discomfort and pain brought by the disease.
All medications, both prescription and non-prescription, have the potential to cause side effects. While Nexium is generally rated as a safe drug, patients should review potential risks with their doctors. One known possible side effect is an increased chance of hip, spine, or wrist fractures. This risk is greatest for those over 50, patients who take high doses, or those who are on the medication for more than one year. Other potential side effects include intestinal problems such as diarrhea, gas, or constipation. Rare possible side effects include fluctuations in weight, fatigue, fluid retention, or painful urination.
Jacinto Lipkovitche has worked with heart disease and cholesterol studies for years. The author is committed to research and has carefully studied Nexium. Learn more about how Nexium can help you manage cholesterol.