Do you often get gastritis? Or do you have a burning sensation in your chest or a feeling in your throat? At times like these, many of us are used to taking medicine from a pharmacy. Most often, the type of medicine taken in this way is Proton Pump Inhibitors, or as we call it, "gastritis medicine". But, do we know exactly what these medicines are, how they work, and how long they should be taken? Today, we will talk about this.
What are these proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?
Simply put, this is a class of medications that reduce the acidity, or acid, in your stomach. Now you might be thinking, "Isn't it good to have stomach acid?" Stomach acid is actually something we can't live without. It helps us digest the food we eat and also kills harmful germs that enter with food.
But the problem starts when this acid becomes too much, or when it goes where it shouldn't be, like your esophagus. That's when problems like heartburn and stomach ulcers start. That's when these medications called PPIs come to our aid.
What are the main conditions treated with PPIs?
PPIs are used to treat many conditions related to stomach acid. Let's take a look at the main ones.
| Medical condition | Simply put, what happens is |
|---|---|
| GERD / Chronic Acid Reflux | This is what we often call heartburn. Stomach acid moving up into the esophagus can cause damage to the esophagus (erosive esophagitis) . PPIs reduce stomach acid and allow the damage to heal. |
| Peptic Ulcers (Stomach and Small Intestine Ulcers) | Stomach acid can damage the protective lining of the stomach or small intestine, causing ulcers. These ulcers can also develop with continued use of certain painkillers (NSAIDs) . PPIs can help heal these ulcers. |
| H. pylori infection | This is a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. PPIs are given along with antibiotics to kill this bacteria. This reduces the acidity in the stomach, allowing the antibiotics to work better. |
| Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | This is a rare condition. Some tumors in the body produce a hormone that causes the stomach to produce too much acid. PPIs can control this condition. |
How does this medicine work?
This is very easy to understand. Imagine that there are little 'pumps' inside your stomach that make acid. Scientifically, these are called hydrogen-potassium ATPase pumps. In short, they are "proton pumps."
Now, what this PPI drug does is 'inhibit' the activity of those acid-producing pumps, that is, it stops them. It's like turning off the switch on a water motor.
But this doesn't stop all the acid production in the stomach. If you take a PPI for about 5 days in a row, the production of stomach acid will be reduced by about 65%. The remaining 35% is enough to digest food. So there's nothing to worry about.
What are the most common types of PPIs?
There are several types of PPIs. Some can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, while others require a prescription.
| Generic Name | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Types available with or without a doctor's prescription | |
| Esomeprazole | Nexium® |
| Lansoprazole | Prevacid® |
| Omeprazole | Prilosec® |
| Types available only on medical prescription | |
| Dexlansoprazole | Dexilant® |
| Pantoprazole | Protonix® |
| Rabeprazole | AcipHex® |
How should these be used?
This medication comes in capsule or tablet form. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, some capsules can be mixed with something like applesauce to take the powder.
The most important thing is when to take the medication. Most PPIs are most effective when taken on an empty stomach . It is usually recommended to take it 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast. The reason is that this gives the medication time to be absorbed and start working, before the stomach acid builds up after you eat.
How much should I buy?
This is definitely something your doctor will decide. Some people may need one pill in the morning. Others may be told to take one in the morning and one at night. It depends on your medical condition. Therefore, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions.
How long does it take for PPIs to work?
This is not an instant relief medication. It may take 1 to 4 days for you to feel the full effects of the medication.
Imagine you've eaten a spicy food and suddenly felt a burning sensation in your chest. At such times, an antacid (e.g., Digene) or a histamine (H2) blocker (e.g., Famotidine) may provide quicker relief than a PPI. However, their effects wear off quickly.
PPIs are a treatment that provides long-term results, best suited for people with chronic acid problems.
Are there any side effects to these?
Most people don't experience any side effects, but like any medicine, some people may experience minor side effects.
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Fever
- Filling the stomach
- Itching and stinging
Risks of long-term use
Although PPIs are generally considered safe medications, researchers have identified some risks associated with using them for long periods of time without any medical advice .
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection: The balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut is altered, causing dangerous diarrhea.
- Fracture: It can make it harder for the body to absorb calcium, which can increase the risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine.
- Kidney disease: Long-term use may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Nutritional deficiencies: The body can reduce its absorption of magnesium and vitamin B12. These are essential nutrients for our nervous system and muscles.
These risks are still being studied, so doctors usually try to control your symptoms by giving you the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time .
When should I see a doctor?
If you have been prescribed PPIs by a doctor, you should talk to your doctor about stopping the medication or changing the dosage.
If you are using over-the-counter (OTC) PPIs and find that you need them every day to control your symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| An allergic reaction | Skin irritation, severe itching, swelling. |
| Signs of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. |
| Signs of magnesium deficiency | Extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain. |
| Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency | Pain, numbness, dizziness , confusion in the arms or legs. |
| Severe diarrhea or fever | Persistent diarrhea or fever. |
Take-Home Message
- PPIs are a treatment for long-term acid problems, not for immediate relief.
- Always take your medicine at the prescribed time (usually before meals), as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid using PPIs continuously for long periods of time without medical advice.
- If you need this medication daily or if any side effects occur, be sure to see your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න