Contents
- Composition of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Action of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Indications for the use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Contraindications to the use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- The method of use and dosage of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Side effects when using drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Interactions of proton pump inhibitors with other drugs
- Proton pump inhibitors – additional remarks
Proton pump inhibitors are the name of a group of drugs used to treat upper gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn, acid reflux and gastric or duodenal ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors are also used to prevent these diseases.
Composition of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
Medicines belonging to the group of proton pump inhibitors contain derivatives of a substance called bezimidazole that reduce the production of acid in the stomach. These drugs include, but are not limited to: omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole and dexlanoprazole.
Action of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. The so-called proton pump, located in the cells of the gastric mucosa, is responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid.
Indications for the use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
- Drugs containing proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract and in the prevention of these diseases. Proton pump inhibitors are given to patients who have recurring heartburn, acid reflux (reflux of stomach contents) and stomach or duodenal ulcers.
- Proton pump inhibitors are also administered to prevent ulceration of the upper gastrointestinal tract with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Proton pump inhibitors are also used in combination therapy aimed at eliminating H-pylori strains from the body.
- Proton pump inhibitors are also effective in helping patients suffering from diseases that cause excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid and gastric juices.
- Proton pump inhibitors are also used in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia.
Contraindications to the use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
Contraindication to the use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors is allergy or hypersensitivity to any of their substances.
It is not advisable to take drugs containing proton pump inhibitors for a long time, as this may lead to permanent adverse changes in the intestinal bacterial flora and, as a result, to the development of various diseases of the digestive system.
The method of use and dosage of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
Drugs containing proton pump inhibitors are most often administered orally, but sometimes they are also administered intravenously.
The dose of the drug, the method of administration and the duration of therapy are determined by the doctor.
Side effects when using drugs containing proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors usually do not cause undesirable side effects, but they effectively relieve symptoms that often occur in patients complaining of problems with the digestive system (heartburn, regurgitation of food into the esophagus, discomfort around the stomach), which makes doctors willing to prescribe these drugs .
In some patients, proton pump inhibitors can cause gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. There may also be headaches and joint pains, sleep problems and a general feeling of being unwell.
In very rare cases, drugs containing proton pump inhibitors can cause behavioral and mental disorders as well as bacterial and fungal inflammation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
Check: Medicines for heartburn and peptic ulcer disease (PPIs) can increase the risk of a heart attack
Interactions of proton pump inhibitors with other drugs
Proton pump inhibitors alter the pH in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore may potentiate or inhibit the effects of some other drugs.
Proton pump inhibitors are most likely to interact with oral anticoagulants and medications used to treat respiratory tract infections. They may also increase the effect of preparations containing St. John’s wort, thereby causing photosensitivity.
Proton pump inhibitors – additional remarks
There have been reports of abuse of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors. For this reason, attempts are made to limit their use. Long-term use of drugs containing proton pump inhibitors carries the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases such as recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and the development of a serious disease known as irritable bowel.