Proton pump inhibitors should not be used for longer than necessary, study finds
Research compares death rates of people taking PPIs with those taking H2 blockers
Research compares death rates of people taking PPIs with those taking H2 blockers
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs whose main action is a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of stomach acid production. They are prescribed for prevention and treatment of acid-related conditions, such as heartburn and stomach ulcers. PPIs are widely used either as prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Several previous studies have suggested that taking PPIs is associated with serious adverse events, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease (CKD), dementia, pneumonia, gastric cancer, Clostridium difficile infections and osteoporotic fractures.
PPIs are often taken without proper medical indications and for much longer than needed so it is important to know how safe these drugs are.
New users identified
In this longitudinal study, researchers compared death rates of those taking PPIs, such as omeprazole, with those taking H2 blockers, such as cimetidine, which reduce acid by blocking histamine receptors. They identified new users of acid suppression drugs and followed them for ten years to examine associations between PPI use and cause of death. The researchers found that using PPIs is associated with increased mortality from CVD and CKD.
This adds to the body of evidence showing that PPI use carries risk. The researchers are clear that, for some people, there are medical benefits to using prescribed PPIs, but they should only be used where the benefits outweigh the risks and should not be used for longer than necessary.
Reference
Ruth Sander is an independent consultant in the care of older people
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