Use and overuse of proton pump inhibitors

Use and overuse of proton pump inhibitors

In 2009, an editorial by Putman focused on the dramatic increase in the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in infants [1]. Considering the increasing evidence that PPIs offer little benefit for most of the symptoms for which they are prescribed, Putman strongly highlighted the need for a serious effort to curtail their empiric use. The editorial was linked to a study by Orenstein et al, which...

Proton-Pump Inhibitors: Reducing their Unnecessary Use

While proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) have beneficial therapeutic and prophylactic indications for many patients, increasing evidence suggests that these medications are not without risk; inpatient use of PPIs has been shown to increase the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia by up to 30% [2]. Community-acquired pneumonia is also more common in patients who have started PPI therapy within the pas...

Overuse and inappropriate prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in patients with Clostridium difficile-associated disease.

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile is the most common infectious cause of colitis and has been increasingly diagnosed in hospitalized patients. The number of prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has also increased significantly over time. Few studies have reported an association between C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) and PPI use. AIM To assess the extent and appropriateness o...

Use of proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

QUESTION A 36-year-old pregnant patient has symptoms of peptic disease. Treatment with diet and lifestyle modifications and also antacids has given her little relief. If she were not pregnant, I would prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for her. She is now 4 weeks pregnant, and I need to determine whether PPIs are safe during pregnancy. ANSWER Data currently available suggest that omepraz...

Inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors, guidelines and clinical research.