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What are proton pump inhibitors ?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of prescription medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe PPIs to treat people with heartburn (acid reflux), ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). PPIs include rabeprazole (brand name Aciphex), lansoprazole (>Prevacid), omeprazole (>Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and pantoprazole (>Protonix).

All PPIs are equally effective in preventing the release of stomach acid. Four weeks of therapy can heal ulcers in 85 to 95 percent of people who take them. PPIs combined with antibiotics can cure ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria in 90 to 100 percent of people treated.

PPIs can eliminate the pain and irritation of reflux disease in 60 to 70 percent of people who use them. This makes them a bit more effective for reflux disease than a group of drugs called H2-receptor blockers (brand names Axid, Tagamet, Zantac). PPIs are generally more expensive than H2-receptor blockers, though, so doctors often prescribe PPIs only if H2-receptor blockers don't work.

You can take PPIs with or without food.

Sources:
DeVault, K.R. "Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease," American Journal of Gastroenterology 94 (1999).
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.

This answer prepared 7/6/2000.
This information updated 2/6/2007.

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