What it means
A drug that shuts down the stomach's acid pumps. It treats gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry , stomach ulcers and Helicobacter pylori infection (with antibiotics), and protects the stomach in clients taking NSAIDs. Long-term use is linked with low magnesium, bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency and C. difficilesee dif-uh-SEELClostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).Full entry infection.
For the nurse
Give it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, usually breakfast. Capsules are swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on applesauce, never chewed. The Beers Criteria advise against regular use for more than 8 weeks in older adults unless there is a clear reason.
At a glance
| Drug class | proton pump inhibitor (PPI) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Nexium, Nexium 24HR |
| Also written | Nexium, Nexium 24HR |
Related terms
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
lansoprazole
A proton pump inhibitor: a drug that sharply lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.