OVERUSE OF PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS IN HOSPITAL SETTING: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Amina Seena C.*, Danisha P. and Ajmal Mohammed K.

ABSTRACT

PPIs are widely prescribed to treat acid-related diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases (PUD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and are used as gastro-protective drugs with other medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and anticoagulants, especially in elderly patients. Although, PPIs demonstrate an excellent safety profile, long-term and high dose use of PPI have alarming adverse effects. Inappropriate PPI use and the associated risks have dramatically increased over the last few decades. Also, several research studies have demonstrated that the overutilization of these agents has led to significant increases in hospital-related expenditures and adverse effects. Thus, it is essential to determine the overuse of PPI, so that an effective and rational follow-up plan can be implemented.

Keywords: PPI, overutilization, adverse effects, expenditure.