Can proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) be used long-term?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should only be used for a couple of months, maximum, before gradually tapering off to prevent acid rebound. Long-term use has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip and spine, pneumonia, kidney disease, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron deficiency.
PPI side effects may include a headache, constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, or nausea. PPIs can also interact with some other drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), or affect the absorption of certain drugs, such as iron salts, ketoconazole, and vitamin B12.
PPIs suppress gastric acid secretion by shutting down the stomach proton pumps. This is the final stage of acid secretion which makes PPIs more effective than H2 blockers. PPIs take a bit longer than H2 blockers to start working.
Different brands of PPIs include dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and omeprazole (Prilosec), but generic forms are often cheaper. Over-the-counter versions are available, too.
Read next
Can you take metformin without food?
If you take metformin without food you may end up with an upset stomach, especially if you are just starting treatment. Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common side effects with metformin and can occur in over a quarter of patients. Continue reading
Can you take an antacid with omeprazole?
You can take an antacid with omeprazole if you are still getting symptoms of indigestion because it can take several days for omeprazole to start working. Take omeprazole as directed (usually taken once daily on an empty stomach), and take antacids as needed to relieve indigestion pain after eating. But tell your doctor if several weeks have gone past and omeprazole does not seem to be working or you are still taking antacids. Continue reading
Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?
Famotidine is usually the first choice to treat occasional heartburn if your symptoms occur less than two times per week. It can be used as needed, provides quick relief (within 15 to 30 minutes), and is usually less expensive than omeprazole. Omeprazole may be an option if your heartburn occurs two or more days per week. Both products are available without a prescription. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Valproate Sodium
Valproate Sodium is used for epilepsy, seizure prevention, seizures
Related medical questions
- Heartburn vs Acid Reflux vs GERD - What is the difference?
- What foods should I avoid when taking omeprazole?
- Can you give Pepto Bismol to kids?
- Nexium vs Prilosec: What's the difference between them?
- Does omeprazole cause cancer?
- Metamucil - does it accelerate acid reflux?
- What causes shortness of breath after eating?
- What is Activis used for?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
- What are the risks associated with heartburn medications?
- What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Fish Oil and your Health
- What does heartburn feel like?
- The Do's and Don'ts of Treating Heartburn
- How does food interact with your medications?
- What do I need to know about Medications/Vaccinations before I Travel?
- What are the side effects of beta blockers?
- What types of drugs are used for treating heart disease?
- Is cardiovascular disease the same as heart disease or coronary heart disease?
- Why is physical activity so important in preventing heart disease?
- How do you reverse heart disease naturally?
- Can an EKG detect heart disease?
- How can you check for heart disease at home?
- What’s the fastest way to lower blood pressure safely?
- Is excessive sweating a sign of heart disease?
- What is Trimetazidine used for?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- ECG vs EKG - What's the difference between them?
- Is high blood pressure considered heart disease?
- What is levosimendan used for?
Drug information
- Side Effects of Acid Relief (detailed)
Related support groups
- Acid Relief (2 questions, 7 members)
- GERD (252 questions, 665 members)
- Heart Disease (65 questions, 223 members)
- Indigestion (44 questions, 87 members)