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Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Esomeprazole irreversibly inhibits the proton pump in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion.
Esomeprazole irreversibly inhibits the proton pump in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion. Used for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | Esomeprazole (Nexium) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nexium |
| Sponsor | Meridian Bioscience, Inc. |
| Drug class | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) |
| Target | H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Esomeprazole is the active S-enantiomer of omeprazole that binds to and inactivates the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme (proton pump) on the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells. This blocks the final step of gastric acid production, significantly reducing intragastric acidity. It is used to treat acid-related disorders by maintaining elevated gastric pH.
Approved indications
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Prevention of NSAID-induced ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Flatulence
Key clinical trials
- Esomeprazole Plus Sucralfate for Post-ESD Ulcer Healing (PHASE4)
- PPI Infusion Versus Oral Acid Pump Inhibitors for Bleeding Peptic Ulcers (PHASE4)
- Drug Interaction Study on Linaprazan Glurate Capsules (PHASE1)
- Treatment Efficacy of Regimens With and Without Bismuth in Children With Helicobacter Pylori-Associated Peptic Ulcer Disease (NA)
- A Study of Esomeprazole in Children With Autism (PHASE2)
- Endoscopic Evidence of Maintenance of Healing With Oral NEXIUM in Patients 1 to 11 Years Old With Erosive Esophagitis. (PHASE3)
- Effects of High-dose Dual Therapy and Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication on Intestinal Microecology (PHASE4)
- The Bioavailability and Effect on Pouch pH of Esomeprazole After Gastric Bypass (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial 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:
- Esomeprazole (Nexium) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Esomeprazole (Nexium) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Meridian Bioscience, Inc. portfolio CI