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Should I Switch To Nexium From Prilosec To Cure GERD Symptoms?
I took Nexium 40 mg (Rx) for years then lost my insurance and had to switch to Prilosec. My GI Dr told me to take two 20 mg Prilosec to replace the Nexium. I was taking the Nexium, first of all, to heal an ulcer then to control GERD with pyloric stenosis from the scar tissue from the ulcer.I also have Barretts esophagus (newly diagnosed past 18 months.) I have been relatively symptom free with the Prilosec. I bought the 24 hr Nexium today and ,after reading about it, I am not sure I should switch from the Prilosec. Would it be as effective as the Prolosec?
Thu, 6 Nov 2014
Hi! Good afternoon. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
Yes, you could use Nexium in place of Prilosec if you so desire. Both belong to the same group of drugs and both act well in relieving the symptoms of hyper acidity and GERD. In addition to the drugs, on GERD, the following might be helpful for you:
1) Elevate the head end of the bed with two blocks on each side, so that the regurgitation does not occur while lying down, and the contents of esophagus and stomach flow down with gravity.
2) Some modification in your diet like more of roughage, enough liquids, avoidance of oily, fried, and fast food and any alcoholic beverages if you do.
3) Regular routine exercises like morning walk depending on your medical fitness.
4) Prescription for a prokinetic agent and a proton pump inhibitor (which you already are on) for symptomatic relief and to have a control on the acid production and facilitate movement of gastric contents downwards
5) A stool test for ova and cyst could be worthwhile as intestinal infections could make the symptoms of GERD worse.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. I wish you an early recovery. Dr Shareef
Yes, you could use Nexium in place of Prilosec if you so desire. Both belong to the same group of drugs and both act well in relieving the symptoms of hyper acidity and GERD. In addition to the drugs, on GERD, the following might be helpful for you:
1) Elevate the head end of the bed with two blocks on each side, so that the regurgitation does not occur while lying down, and the contents of esophagus and stomach flow down with gravity.
2) Some modification in your diet like more of roughage, enough liquids, avoidance of oily, fried, and fast food and any alcoholic beverages if you do.
3) Regular routine exercises like morning walk depending on your medical fitness.
4) Prescription for a prokinetic agent and a proton pump inhibitor (which you already are on) for symptomatic relief and to have a control on the acid production and facilitate movement of gastric contents downwards
5) A stool test for ova and cyst could be worthwhile as intestinal infections could make the symptoms of GERD worse.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. I wish you an early recovery. Dr Shareef
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