Option to swallow an oral suspension of Nexium or to have it administered via a stomach tube now availble.
AstraZeneca’s Nexium For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension has been approved for the treatment of GERD, including symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, healing and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis, and risk reduction of NSAID-associated gastric ulcers. AstraZeneca expects that the new formulation will be available in the first quarter of 2007.
Each packet of Nexium For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension contains either 20 mg or 40 mg of esomeprazole, the active ingredient used in Nexium Delayed-Release Capsules, explains AstraZeneca. The esomeprazole granules and inactive granules used in this formulation are mixed with water to form a suspension and are given by oral, nasogastric, or gastric administration.
“Some patients with acid-related diseases have difficulties swallowing their oral medication when it is a solid pill,” remarks Doug Levine, M.D., executive director, clinical development leader for Nexium. “This new prescription option to swallow an oral suspension of Nexium or to have it administered via a stomach tube provides these patients with an alternative method of administration that they can take instead of the Nexium capsule.”
