Vnitr Lek 2024, 70(3):158-165 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2024.033

When to use proton pump inhibitors

Štěpán Šembera, Jiří Cyrany, Ilja Tachecí

II. interní gastroenterologická klinika Fakultní nemocnice a Lékařská fakulta UK v Hradci Králové

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been available in clinical practice for 35 years, and during the time of their use, they have become a very frequently used medication. In some countries, around 10% of the population uses them. This is due to their ability to most effectively suppress the production of hydrochloric acid by the gastric mucosa, thereby treating primarily peptic ulcer disease of the gastroduodenum and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Furthermore, these drugs are widely used in the prevention of these diseases and in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. The seemingly favorable safety profile of these drugs has acquired significant flaws with their widespread use in the population over the last 15 years. The use of PPIs is associated with the risk of developing clostridial colitis, acute and chronic renal injury, osteoporotic fractures, and malabsorption of some micronutrients. The risks associated with the use of PPIs should lead prescribing doctors to properly managed pharmacotherapy.

Keywords: proton pump inhibitors, gastroduodenal ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, Helicobacter pylori, functional dyspepsia, side effects, complications.

Accepted: April 26, 2024; Published: May 6, 2024  Show citation