Nexium™ (esomeprazole) 20mg & 40mg capsules

Manufacturer:  AstraZeneca  

Indication(s):  Short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) in the healing and symptomatic resolution of diagnostically confirmed erosive esophagitis, maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence.

Dosage & Administration:  For healing of erosive esophagitis, 20mg to 40mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.  For maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, 20mg once daily.  For H. pylori eradication (in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin), 40mg once daily for 10 days.

Pharmacology:  Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell.

WebRx Editorial Notes:  Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole (Prilosec™), which is a mixture of S- and -R isomers.  The drug represents more of an effort to stave off generic substitution of Prilosec™ which will soon be off patent, than a pharmacological breakthrough.

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