The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of two forms of Nexium for short-term use in children ages 1-11. The FDA has not established the safety or effectiveness of Nexium in children less than one year old. Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The two approved forms of Nexium for children ages 1-11 are the delayed-release capsule and the liquid form in the following doses: 10 mg or 20 mg daily for children 1-11 years old. The FDA advises consumers that children aged 1-11 taking Nexium should be monitored by their doctor for any adverse side effects.
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used to decrease acid produced by the stomach. It also helps heal the lining of the esophagus after acid backs up into the esophagus. The FDA approved Nexium for the treatment of GERD in children after studies were done showing that children treated with Nexium once a day for up to eight weeks healed their esophageal erosion. During the studies, Nexium was shown to be safe and tolerable in children ages 1-11. Common side effects children experienced while using Nexium included headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, constipation, dry mouth, and sleepiness. AstraZeneca in Wilmington Delaware manufactures Nexium.
More About GERD
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not open or close properly during the digestive process, allowing stomach acids to back up into the esophagus. The stomach lining is equipped to withstand acid, but the esophagus lining is not. It is estimated that 19 million people in the U.S. may suffer from GERD and around 4.6 million doctors’ visits each year are scheduled to discuss symptoms of GERD.
Symptoms of GERD
Almost everyone experiences heartburn from time to time. People who experience symptoms of GERD one or two days a week for a couple of weeks, you should seek medical attention. The symptoms of GERD vary among individuals, but can include:
Difficulty swallowing
Heartburn
Throwing up
Water brash – slightly salty or sour saliva
Things That Trigger GERD
If GERD is not treated properly, it can lead to more serious medical problems including painful bleeding and ulcers. GERD has also been associated with asthma, chest pains, chronic cough, and hoarseness. Certain things can trigger GERD including:
Lying down less than 3 hours after eating
Bending over after eating
Eating too much
Certain foods and drinks
Being overweight
What to Do When Your Child Shows Symptoms of GERD
Keep a diary of symptoms for two weeks that will help the doctor properly diagnose the problem. Include information about what your child felt and how long it lasted during each episode. Record what you might have done to trigger an episode. Include what you did to relieve the symptoms including any over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, antacids, or natural procedures like back patting.
Make a list of questions about what life style changes you need to make. Include the kinds of food or drinks you feed your children, what their sleep patterns are, what their play schedule is after eating, and other medical history like asthma, coughing, and hoarseness. Be sure to tell your doctor is your child is being treated for any other medical conditions and what prescription medications your child is taking.
Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01802.html
http://www.gerd.com/consumer/gerd.aspx
