How Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Work?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are antiulcer drugs that work against gastroesophageal reflux disorders and other acid-related disorders.

The stomach produces acid to digest food. In the last step of acid production, the H+/K+-ATPase or proton pump secretes hydrogen ions into the stomach. H+/K+-ATPase is an enzyme present in the stomach wall.

PPIs reduce acid production by blocking the H+/K+-ATPase. Decreasing the acid in the stomach can prevent ulcers and facilitate the healing of existing ulcers. PPIs also reduce the pain from indigestion and heartburn.

Proton pump inhibitors are mainly used to treat acid-related disorders, such as:

• Esophageal, duodenal, and stomach ulcers
• NSAID-associated ulcers
• Ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Proton pump inhibitors, when taken orally, can cause:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Rash
• Bloating
• Some of the severe side effects of proton pump inhibitors include:
• Severe allergic reactions
• Reduced kidney function
• Reduced liver function
• Pancreatitis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Pancreatitis
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of proton pump inhibitors include:

• Aciphex
• Aciphex sprinkle
• Aspirin/omeprazole
• Dexilant
• Dexilant solutab
• Dexlansoprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Kapidex
• Lansoprazole
• Nexium
• Nexium 24hr
• Omepracare
• Omepracare dr
• Omeprazole
• Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate
• Pantoprazole
• Prevacid
• Prevacid 24hr
• Prevacid solu tab
• Prilosec
• Prilosec otc
• Protonix
• Rabeprazole
• Yosprala
• Zegerid
• Zegerid otc