Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)Acid Enzyme Blockers
Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPI's are group of drugs used treat and to decrease acid production by blocking the acid-producing enzymes located in the stomach wall. The reduction of acid thus results to the healing of existing ulcers in the stomach, duodenum and the esophagus. It also prevents ulcers from occurring.
Proton Pump Inhibitors are used to treat acid-related ailments of the digestive system such as GERD or gastroesopahgeal reflux disease, ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. If combined with other antibiotics, PPI's are known to help in eliminating Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that mixes with acid causing stomach and duodenum ulcers. There are several known PPI's, all having the same effect and action. The only difference is how they are broken-down by the liver and their interaction with other drugs. Some of the US approved Proton Pump Inhibitors include Prilosec (omeprazole,) Prevacid (lansoprazole,) Protonix (pantoprazole,) Nexium (esomeprazole,) Aciphex (rabeprazole) among others.
Other conditions treated with PPIs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Multiple Endocrine Adenomas
- Indigestion
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Systemic Mastocytosis
- Barretts Esophagus
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Side Effects:
Although most PPI's are generally well tolerated, there are still some people who experience mild side effects from taking them. This includes:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Rashes
Withdrawal from the drug resulted to dyspeptic symptoms to some patients who have taken pantroprazole, a PPI, for 4 weeks. Other withdrawal symptoms have not been established yet. Dosage and administration varies depending on the age of the patient, the type of PPI prescribed, etc.
If you are taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor, it is best to consult your health care provider before you take other drugs. And although in general PPI's have low potential in interacting with some drugs it is still best to stay safe. Because the presence of acid in the stomach affect the absorption of some drugs by the body, some PPI's may also affect the absorption of some drugs because it reduces acid in the stomach. Studies reveal that PPI's may reduce the efficacy of Ketoconazole, increase the toxicity of Lanoxin and might also increase the concentration of Valium (diazepam,) Coumadin (warfarin) and Dilantin (phenytoin) in the blood.
Taking in Proton Pump Inhibitors is therefore necessary especially in reducing acid production in the stomach to alleviate ulcers and other acid-related disorders. And despite being well absorbed and tolerated by most people, it is still best to seek medical advice first before taking in this kind of drug.