Nexium Esomeprazole Pills

Nexium, the trade name of esomeprazole, is the S-isomer of omeprazole. It is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat dyspepsia, commonly called indigestion, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophogeal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Each of these diseases is the result of an over secretion of gastric acid from the parietal cells in the lining of the stomach. Nexium works to decrease the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by inhibiting the function of an enzyme in the cells lining the stomach that produce gastric acid.

Another proton pump inhibitor preceded the introduction of Nexium. Prilosec, now also sold as Prilosec OTC (over the counter) is omeprazole. Omeprazole is similar to esomeprazole containing both the R and the S isomer of the compound. As a prescription medication Prilosec has been on the market since the late 1980s and some medical professionals feel that at the same dosage strength it is comparable to Nexium. The over the counter medication is a 20 milligram tablet and is recommended for only a 14 day use. Nexium comes in 20 and 40 milligram capsules daily frequently prescribed for several weeks to months at a time.

Nexium is unique in two ways. Nexium uses only the S-isomer, more active in humans, and by creating a pellet system providing sustained release medication over several hours possible AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Nexium, has claimed superiority over other proton pump inhibitors. Nexium is much more expensive than its counter parts or the generic esomeprazole.

Nexium Side Effects

Side effects with Nexium are uncommon. The ones experienced most frequently by patients are headache and diarrhea. Nausea, increased intestinal gas, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation were also experienced. The most severe side effects are chest pain, unusual fatigue, and persistent sore throat, easily bruising, and yellowing of the skin. Also taken long term Nexium or any proton pump inhibitor can contribute to osteoporosis due to the fact that decreased stomach acid leads to decrease breakdown and absorption of calcium from the digestive tract.

Generic & Brand Nexium

Nexium and its generic, esomeprazole, can be ordered online from several sites. The branded medication Nexium is much more expensive than the generic esomeprazole. There are perhaps two differences. The strength of the branded Nexium will be 100% of the dosage. Generic esomeprazole only required to have 80% of the bioavailability when compared to the parent compound. Also the branded Nexium capsule has the special timed release composition keeping medication in the system over an extended time frame.

Ordering Nexium Online

There are several advantages to ordering any medication online. It is much easier to do a price comparison when shopping at online pharmacies. You must make sure the quality is the same especially when comparing generic medications. Make sure you are getting the correct milligram strength prescribed. Online pharmacies will typically sell you three months at a time, ship the medication to your door free of charge, and remind you when it is time to refill so that you will never be without your medication.

Many of the online sites suggest that Nexium is available without a prescription. In truth the online pharmacy has a physician available for consultation. After a consultation over the internet the physician will prescribe Nexium. On some sites there is a charge for this service. Other sites the physician consultation to obtain a prescription is included in the cost of the Nexium.

Nexium is an excellent medication to relieve everything from symptoms of severe indigestion to gastric ulcer disease. It is expensive and can produce unwanted side effects that resolve with stopping the medication. Online ordering is available, convenient and can save several hundred dollars yearly.