What is the brand name for Esomeprazole?
The brand name for Esomeprazole is Nexium.
PTCB TOP 200 · #147
Esomeprazole
Nexium
Esomeprazole is the generic name for the brand-name drug Nexium. It is a ppi (proton pump inhibitor) used to treat GERD, ulcers. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Esomeprazole ranks #147 and is one of the most frequently tested gastrointestinal medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Esomeprazole |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Nexium |
| Drug class | PPI (proton pump inhibitor) |
| Class group | Gastrointestinal |
| Common use | GERD, ulcers |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Both prescription and OTC |
What is Esomeprazole used for?
Treatment of GERD, erosive esophagitis, and other acid-related disorders; prevention of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer in at-risk patients (PPI).
What drug class is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole is a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) in the Gastrointestinal group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Esomeprazole
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightFlatulence
Major interactions
- arrow_rightClopidogrel: reduced activation with some PPIs (use caution/alternatives per guidance)
- arrow_rightDrugs needing acidic pH (e.g., ketoconazole) → reduced absorption
- arrow_rightWarfarin, methotrexate (high dose) → potential increased levels (monitor)
- arrow_rightCYP2C19 interactions may affect some drugs
Is Esomeprazole a controlled substance?
No. Esomeprazole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Esomeprazole (PTCE mnemonic)
NEX-ium goes NEXt level on acid — esomepra-ZOLE is the S-isomer of omeprazole (slightly stronger). 30 min before meals; long-term ↓Mg/B12, ↑C. diff, fractures.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Esomeprazole is literally the S-isomer of omeprazole ('es-') — isomer brand pairs like Nexium/Prilosec and Lexapro/Celexa are a recurring exam pattern.
Esomeprazole FAQ
What is Esomeprazole used for?
Esomeprazole is used to treat GERD, ulcers. Treatment of GERD, erosive esophagitis, and other acid-related disorders; prevention of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer in at-risk patients (PPI).
What drug class is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole is a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) (Gastrointestinal group).
Is Esomeprazole a controlled substance?
No. Esomeprazole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Esomeprazole
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
LASA (look-alike/sound-alike) drugsthe name pairs most often mixed up
Sig codes cheat sheetthe abbreviations on this drug's labelSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Esomeprazole the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Gastrointestinal group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).