Nexium treats acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It reduces the symptoms of heartburn and treats stomach and esophagus problems.
Acid reflux happens when the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time or the sphincter muscle becomes weak or fails to close tightly, allowing stomach acid back up into your esophagus. The burning feeling that comes as a result of acid reflux is known as heartburn.
Nexium – a treatment for acid reflux and heartburn – is a branded version of medication called Esomeprazole. It’s available as a delayed-release capsule, as a tablet or as an oral suspension fluid.
How does Nexium work?
The active ingredient in Nexium, esomeprazole, works on the proton pumps in the wall of the stomach. These are responsible for the production and release of acids, which help break down food. Nexium works to reduce the action of these pumps, which lowers the amount of stomach acids that are produced, relieving symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
What doses of Nexium are there?
Nexium tablets are available in two doses: 20mg and 40mg. The usual dose is one 20mg or 40mg pill daily for 4 to 8 weeks. For long-term prevention of acid reflux you’ll likely be recommended a maintenance dose of 20mg.
There are also granules for oral suspension, which you should take in accordance with guidance from your doctor and the instructions that come with your Nexium.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on February 24, 2025. Next review due on February 24, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Nexium
Depending on the form of Nexium you’re using, the instructions will vary. Always read the instructions that come with your Nexium before you start your treatment.
Nexium pills
Swallow the pills whole with water. Don’t chew or crush them as this will reduce their effectiveness. You can take the pills at any time during the day, with or without food.
Nexium granules
Pour the granules into about 15 mL of water (three teaspoons per packet). Stir the mixture and settle it aside to allow it to thicken. Stir it again and drink it. Don’t leave it for more than half an hour before drinking it.
How long does it take Nexium to work?
It will take a few days to notice an improvement in your symptoms, but to see the full benefits it will take a few weeks.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Nexium?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Unless it’s close to your next dose, in that case, skip the missed dose.
If you take more than the recommended dose, seek medical attention.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on February 24, 2025. Next review due on February 24, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Nexium isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
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Nexium: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How effective is Nexium?
Answer:
Esomeprazole (the active ingredient in Nexium) has been shown to control heartburn symptoms within four weeks. Acid reflux also significantly reduced, with patients experiencing fewer days of acid reflux per week by week 8.[3]
Esomeprazole also provided better acid control when compared to omeprazole, another GERD treatment.[4]
How is Nexium different to other treatments for GERD?
Answer:
When 40mg of esomeprazole (Nexium) was compared with 40mg of omeprazole, the results showed those using esomeprazole had lower acidity level by day 5 than omeprazole, meaning they were less likely to get acid reflux.[1]
Another study found esomeprazole provides faster relief than alternatives.Â
(like omeprazole and lansoprazole), so you may feel the benefits of Nexium sooner.[2]
Nexium is also available as tablets and granules, so if you find it difficult to take tablets (or you don’t like taking them), then granules might be a better option for you.
Is Nexium similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Acid reflux treatments generally belong to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors. While they contain different active ingredients, they should work similarly. However, you might find that one drug works better for you than the others.
Which dose of Nexium should I use?
Answer:
Your dose of Nexium depends on the condition you’re treating and the severity of your symptoms. If you're treating GERD, the usual dose is 40mg for a few weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 20mg. For ulcers, you might take 20 mg or 40 mg daily until your doctor recommends stopping.
Your doctor will prescribe you the correct dose for your conditions based on your symptoms and condition.
Do I need a prescription for Nexium?
Answer:
You’ll require a prescription in order to start using Nexium. This is so that a doctor can make sure it’s the right treatment for you and also monitor your use of it.
Treated trusted source:
Röhss K, Hasselgren G, Hedenström H.Effect of esomeprazole 40 mg vs omeprazole 40 mg on 24-hour intragastric pH in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2002 May;47(5):954-8.
Zheng, N. (2009).Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole for symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, 15(8), 990.
Jones, R., & Patrikios, T. (2008).The effectiveness of esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with persistent symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease following treatment with a full dose proton pump inhibitor. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 62(12), 1844-1850.
Lind, et al (2000). Esomeprazole provides improved acid control vs. omeprazole in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 14(7), pp.861–867.
Last updated on Feb 23, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Feb 23, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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