Nexium, acid reflux disease and CYP2C19 drugs

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are acid reflux medications that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach. They are usually prescribed by doctors for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) - a condition in which food or liquid moves up from the stomach to the esophagus.

The CYP2C19 gene encodes an enzyme that metabolizes PPIs and polymorphism of this gene affects the therapeutic outcome of GERD and duodenal ulcers.

PPIs are also used in combination with other prescriptions in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections. People with little or no CYP2C19 activity, who metabolize PPIs more slowly (slow metabolizers), demonstrated significantly higher eradication rates (of H. Pylori) compared to extensive metabolizers.

Related to:
Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Rabeprazole (AcipHex), Dexlansoprazole (Kapidex)