Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Examples
|
| dexlansoprazole | Dexilant |
| esomeprazole | Nexium |
| lansoprazole | Prevacid |
| omeprazole | Prilosec, Zegerid |
| pantoprazole | Protonix |
| rabeprazole | Aciphex |
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are usually taken one time a
day. They are sometimes taken two times a day if a stronger dose is needed.
How It Works
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) greatly
reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which in turn reduces
irritation of the stomach lining and allows an ulcer to heal.
When
used with antibiotics, PPIs also help treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Why It Is Used
Proton pump inhibitors are used to
treat ulcers. They provide short-term (2 to 8 weeks) treatment for
ulcers in the stomach and in the upper small
intestine.
PPIs are also used to prevent ulcers and problems from ulcers (such as bleeding) in people who take NSAIDs long-term (for example, for arthritis).
How Well It Works
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can
block more than 90% of stomach acid production. These medicines work better than antacids or H2 blockers to prevent and treat ulcers.
Most
ulcers heal within 4 weeks, although some people may need up to 4 more weeks of
treatment to complete healing. In rare cases, large ulcers need even longer
treatment.
These medicines have been shown to prevent ulcers and problems from ulcers (such as bleeding) in people who take NSAIDs long-term.1
Side Effects
These medicines generally are
well tolerated. Headache and diarrhea are the most frequent side effects. These
medicines may interfere slightly with the actions of warfarin (Coumadin) and
phenytoin (Dilantin). Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are
taking.
Proton pump inhibitors may have more serious side effects,
too:
- They may reduce the amount of calcium your body
absorbs. This may be linked to an increased risk of broken bones.2
- They may make it more likely that you will get
certain infections.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
usually cost more than H2 blockers.
Proton pump inhibitors work best when they are taken 30 minutes before your first meal (for example, breakfast). If taking one pill before breakfast does not completely relieve your symptoms, talk to your doctor about taking another pill before dinner.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Regula J, et al. (2006). Prevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal lesions: A comparison study pantoprazole versus omeprazole. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 101(8): 1747–1755.
- Yang YX, et al. (2006). Long-term proton pump
inhibitor therapy and risk of hip fracture. JAMA,
296(24): 2947–2953.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 5, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
May 5, 2010
Regula J, et al. (2006). Prevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal lesions: A comparison study pantoprazole versus omeprazole. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 101(8): 1747–1755.
Yang YX, et al. (2006). Long-term proton pump
inhibitor therapy and risk of hip fracture. JAMA,
296(24): 2947–2953.
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