The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), which is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children ages 1-11 years. It was approved by the agancy in two specific forms: a liquid form and delayed-release capsule. The Nexium medication will go in the following dosage: in 20 mg or 40 mg recommended for pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age old compared to 10 milligrams (mg) or 20 mg daily for children 1-11 years old.

Nexium is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach and help heal erosions in the lining of the esophagus known as erosive esophagitis.

“This approval provides important information for appropriate dosing for children ages 1-11 years with GERD,” said Julie Beitz, M.D., director of the FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation III in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Children prescribed this drug should be monitored by their physicians for any adverse drug reactions.”