Last reviewed · How we verify

Esomeprazole Na

AstraZeneca · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Esomeprazole Na is a Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Small molecule drug developed by AstraZeneca. It is currently FDA-approved for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Also known as: Nexium.

Esomeprazole sodium inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump in parietal cells of the stomach.

Esomeprazole sodium is used to prevent rebleeding after successful endoscopic therapy of a bleeding peptic ulcer and to treat conditions such as esophagitis and reflux. It is a medication that works by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which is involved in the production of stomach acid.

At a glance

Generic nameEsomeprazole Na
Also known asNexium
SponsorAstraZeneca
Drug classProton pump inhibitor (PPI)
TargetH+/K+-ATPase (proton pump)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaGastroenterology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Esomeprazole is the active S-enantiomer of omeprazole that irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme (proton pump) on the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells. This blocks the final step of gastric acid production, reducing intragastric acidity. The sodium salt formulation allows for rapid intravenous administration, making it suitable for acute acid-related conditions where oral therapy is not feasible.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Esomeprazole Na

What is Esomeprazole Na?

Esomeprazole Na is a Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug developed by AstraZeneca, indicated for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How does Esomeprazole Na work?

Esomeprazole sodium inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump in parietal cells of the stomach.

What is Esomeprazole Na used for?

Esomeprazole Na is indicated for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Prevention of gastric ulcers in patients receiving NSAIDs, Acute erosive esophagitis.

Who makes Esomeprazole Na?

Esomeprazole Na is developed and marketed by AstraZeneca (see full AstraZeneca pipeline at /company/astrazeneca).

Is Esomeprazole Na also known as anything else?

Esomeprazole Na is also known as Nexium.

What drug class is Esomeprazole Na in?

Esomeprazole Na belongs to the Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class. See all Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs at /class/proton-pump-inhibitor-ppi.

What development phase is Esomeprazole Na in?

Esomeprazole Na is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Esomeprazole Na?

Common side effects of Esomeprazole Na include Headache, Diarrhea, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypomagnesemia.

What does Esomeprazole Na target?

Esomeprazole Na targets H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) and is a Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing