Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of medications that cause a profound and prolonged reduction of stomach acid production. They do so by irreversibly inhibiting the stomach's H+/K+ ATPase proton pump. They are the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available. Proton-pump inhibitors have largely superseded the H2-receptor antagonists, a group of medications with similar effects but a different mode of action, and antacids. PPIs are among the most widely sold medications in the world. The class of proton-pump inhibitor medications is one of the World Health Organization-recommended drugs. Omeprazole is the specific listed example; There are 4-6 variants, all efficacious.
They are often the first-line agents amongst gastroenterologists for the following: 1. Acute and chronic esophagitis 2. Non-erosive reflux disease 3. Peptic ulcer disease 4. Prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers 5. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome 6. Part of the triple therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori infections
PPIs also have utility in treating pediatric diseases. Currently, these drugs are FDA-approved to treat symptomatic GERD in the short term and for healing eosinophilic esophagitis in the pediatric population. Ultimately, PPIs function to decrease acid secretion in the stomach. The proximal small bowel absorbs these drugs, and once in circulation, affects the parietal cells of the stomach. The parietal cells contain the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, the proton pump, that PPIs block. This enzyme serves as the final step of acid secretion into the stomach. PPIs represent the most potent drugs for acid reduction.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of medications that cause a profound and prolonged reduction of stomach acid production. They do so ...