Side Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors - July 1, 2012

July 1, 2012 Table of Contents

Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Side Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors

Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 1;86(1):online.

See related article on proton pump inhibitors.

What are proton pump inhibitors?

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are medicines used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

What side effects can they cause?

Using PPIs for too long can lead to side effects, such as:

Hip fracture
Pneumonia
Diarrhea from an infection
Rebound indigestion (worsened symptoms after you stop using PPIs)

Talk to your doctor about how long you should take a PPI, especially if it was first prescribed in the hospital or by another doctor.

Can I take other medicines if I am taking a PPI?

PPIs can affect how other medicines work. These medicines include clopidogrel (brand name: Plavix), which prevents blood clots, and iron supplements. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking these medicines.

Are there other ways to treat my symptoms?

There are over-the-counter medicines you can take for acid reflux or stomach ulcers. They are called H2 blockers (examples: Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac). Talk to your doctor about whether they can help your symptoms.

Other ways to treat reflux symptoms include changing your diet. You should avoid alcohol, peppermint, caffeine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (one brand: Motrin). Also, do not smoke, exercise a lot after eating, or eat right before bedtime.

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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