Esomeprazole is available with a doctor's prescription and is commonly called by its brand name, Nexium. Nexium is a type of medicine known as an acid pump inhibitor which works by decreasing the acid produced by acid pumps. Nexium capsules should be taken at least one hour before meals, swallowed whole and shouldn't be crushed or chewed. Nexium capsules should be taken at least one hour before meals and at the same time every day. The stomach, Nexium reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. What should you watch for while taking Esomeprazole? By blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. For while taking Esomeprazole?