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What Is Nexium Used For?

Nexium is the brand name for the drug esomeprazole, which is a type of medication called a benzimidazole, which can kill internal parasites and fungal infections but more importantly, can chemically shut off the stomach from making acid. Because of this effect, Nexium is prescribed for people with heartburn, peptic ulcers and gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).

  1. Potential

    • According to Net Doctor, when the body is able to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and esophagus, the body has the time to heal itself of any ulcers.

    Considerations

    • According to the manufacturer, after you take a dose of Nexium, you have to sit up and not eat for at least one hour before breakfast. Not everyone can handle those requirements.

    Prevention

    • Nexium may also be prescribed to prevent an ulcer for someone who is at risk of getting ulcers from as the result of having taken NSAID painkillers for years.

    Rare Use

    • In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) approved Nexium for someone suffering from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where potentially lethal tumors grow in the pancreas.

    Warning

    • According to the manufacturer, Nexium should not be given to patients who have allergies to bezimidazoles, pregnant women, anyone with a fructose intolerance or children under 12 years old.

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