Pharma Blog Online

Esomeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by inhibiting the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs of this class are omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very related to omeprazole. Proton pump inhibitors are appointed for the treatment of conditions cosed by acid such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. By stopping the production of enzyme, the secretion of acid into the stomach becomes low and this process gives an opportunity for the stomach and esophagus to heal. Esomeprazole was approved by the FDA in February, 2001.