FDA OKs Nexium for Kids 1-11 FDA Approves Nexium for Short-Term
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Young
Children Feb. 28, 2008 -- The FDA today approved short-term use
of the drug Nexium for children aged 1-11 with gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). The FDA OK'd Nexium in two forms -- a
delayed-release capsule and a liquid form -- in doses of 10
milligrams or 20 milligrams for kids aged 1-11. Nexium was
already approved for children aged 12-17 in 20 mg or 40 mg "This
approval provides important information for appropriate dosing
for children ages 1-11 years with GERD," Julie Beitz, MD,
director of the FDA's Office for 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." 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, a condition k