This class of drugs has been an essential component in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other acid-related conditions ever since the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was commercially available for purchase in the year 1989. PPIs have been shown to be extremely successful and safe in lowering the rate of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–associated gastropathy, treating GERD, and repairing peptic ulcer disease. As a result, these drugs have become one of the most commonly given treatments by medical professionals.
Learn more about the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors by reading up on the qualities of these substances.
Everything You Need to Know About Proton Pump Inhibitors
Patients were given an alternative for self-medication of maladies such as heartburn and other associated symptomatology in addition to antacids and H2-receptor antagonists with the regulatory approval of the first OTC product for proton pump inhibitors back in 2003. This was made possible due to the unquestionable efficacy of proton pump inhibitors as well as their low toxicity. Having said that, that did come with a problem.
These same considerations have also led to their excessive use and abuse; for example, medical professionals frequently prescribe these drugs for extended periods of time or even for life. The issue that has to be asked today is, “Are PPIs safe to use?”
However, this is not the case. But since 2010, the FDA has released a variety of safety warnings concerning the potential side effects that may arise from using PPIs for an extended period of time.
What Are Some of the Most Frequent Problems That Occur With the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors?
Keep in mind that it is absolutely necessary to discuss with your medical professional any health concerns or problems that you may have as a result of using proton pump inhibitors. Let’s have a look at some of the potential adverse effects of PPIs and find out how they might impact the human body.
1) Pneumonia
The usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been linked to an elevated risk of acquiring community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This has been shown to result in micro aspiration, which can then lead to lung colonization. PPIs have been shown to have an adverse effect on immunological defense systems.
2) Hypergastrinemia
The development of hypergastrinemia follows the inhibition of gastric acid. Due to the fact that this illness induces rebound hyperacidity, patients who stop taking their PPI medication may have a worsening of their GERD symptoms.
PPI use for more than 15 years can lead to hypergastrinemia, and a recent case study described the first known instance of ECL cell–derived neuroendocrine cancer as a consequence of hypergastrinemia. However, there is no evidence to show that people on PPIs have a higher likelihood of developing cancer.
3) Fractures
There is sufficient data to induce a modification of PPI labeling to include information regarding a “possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.” The findings of various studies have been inconsistent, but there is sufficient evidence to do so, and any healthcare specialist should inform you about such things.
4) Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There is some evidence that suggests a link between the use of PPIs for an extended period of time and vitamin B12 insufficiency, particularly in the older population. Atrophic gastritis and achlorhydria can cause malabsorption of vitamin B12, which in turn promotes bacterial overgrowth and enables higher digestion of cobalamin. This can be a consequence of atrophic gastritis.
5) Dementia
The latest study has shown evidence that there may be a connection between the usage of PPIs and dementia. There is a potential that people with dementia have lower amounts of vitamin B12 and other nutrients in their bodies, which may possibly contribute to the higher risk of dementia.
6) Interactions Between Drugs
PPIs are able to significantly lower the amount of acid produced by the stomach and raise the pH of the stomach, which enables them to be involved in a number of major medication interactions. There have been a number of studies that point to the possibility that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may block the hepatic cytochromes that play a role in the metabolism of several drugs, which raises worries about potential drug interactions.
The Key Point
When proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are administered properly, the potential advantages of the medication greatly outweigh any hazards that may be incurred by the patient. It is unknown why almost fifty percent of all patients who take a proton pump inhibitor are doing so. Patients who are on PPIs for extended periods of time are more likely to have unpleasant effects from the medication. PPIs can, unfortunately, become hazardous if they are used for longer than recommended.
