Proton pump inhibitors

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 the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available.

Mechanism of action

The proton pump is the terminal stage in gastric acid secretion, being directly responsible for secreting H+ ions into the gastric lumen, making it an ideal target for inhibiting acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors act by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the H+/K+ ATPase, or more commonly just gastric proton pump) of the gastric parietal cell.

Medical uses

Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat conditions where a reduction in stomach acid is needed, such as stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD, laryngopharyngeal reflux, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger Ellison syndrome, and forms of gastritis.

Side effects

Long-term use of PPIs is strongly associated with the development of benign polyps from fundic glands (which is distinct from polyps from foveolar cells or parietal cells), and may be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.

See also

• H2 antagonist
• Antacid

References

Proton pump inhibitors Resources
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