Proton Pump Inhibitors: What Are They For?

- also known as IPP - are active ingredients belonging to the so-called group of gastroprotective drugs.

More in detail, their name derives from the mechanism of action with which they act and thanks to which they are able to inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Proton pump inhibitors, therefore, are indicated in all those cases in which it is necessary to reduce the acid secretion of the stomach with a consequent "protective" effect on the gastric mucosa.

Usually, they are administered orally, but various PPIs can be administered - in the appropriate pharmaceutical form and at the appropriate dosages - also parenterally.

, an active ingredient still used in therapy today. The other widely used IPPs are:

• The pantoprazole;
• Lansoprazole;
• L "esomeprazole;
• Rabeprazole.

through which it must be taken, we can however affirm that the use of proton pump inhibitors is indicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by increased stomach acid secretion. More in detail, PPIs can be used:

• In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux;
• Treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers, also caused by therapies based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
• Treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori in association with other drugs (such as antibiotics) as part of the eradication therapy of this microorganism.

Note: for more precise information on the therapeutic indications of each proton pump inhibitor, we recommend reading the dedicated articles on this site and / or reading the package leaflet of the PPI-based medicine to be taken.

gastric parietals. This inhibits the final stage of hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. This inhibition is dose-dependent and affects both basal and food-induced acid secretion.

It should be noted, however, that proton pump inhibitors are prodrugs that are converted into their active form only once they reach the gastric parietal cells.

The therapeutic effect obtained is the same both with the oral administration of proton pump inhibitors and with the parenteral administration.

;

Diarrhea or constipation

Headache;

Dizziness

Dizziness;

Drowsiness, confusion, insomnia;

Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

For more information on a specific proton pump inhibitor, please refer once again to reading the package leaflet of the medicine you are taking.

and pharmacological interactions of a given proton pump inhibitor, please refer once again to the reading of the dedicated articles on this site and to the careful reading of the package leaflet of the medicine that should be taken.

Read also: Proton Pump Inhibitors Against Gastritis