Nexium belongs to the family of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In adults and children, it is used to treat reflux esophagitis (tissue damage caused by stomach contents flowing back up the esophagus) and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people with reflux esophagitis. It is also used to treat nonerosive reflux disease (NERD; heartburn and regurgitation not related to tissue damage) in children and adults. When combined with other medications, Nexium is used to treat duodenal ulcers that are caused by bacteria known as H. pylori.Esomeprazole can be used to treat or reduce the risk of stomach ulcers due to medications known as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac) that irritate the stomach. It is also used to treat conditions associated with the overproduction of stomach acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.