Possible Side Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors
- A Review
Given how commonly these medications are
prescribed, it is important to know about proton pump inhibitors side
effects. PPIs are a cluster of medications which are utilized to
treat some of the most basic gastric complaints. The most widely
recognized clinical forms of this medication encompass Omeprazole,
Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole and
Rabeprazole. Like all medications, they have collateral effects on
the human body, some short lived and others, lifelong and more
serious.
Our Stomach Requires Acid
Some years back in June 2010 FDA issued a warning
to users and doctors that high dosages or, long term usage of proton
pump inhibitors (or PPIs), raises the risks for hip, wrist and spine
fractures. Proton Pump Inhibitors are the most used heartburn cures
that help lessen stomach acid. These medications work really well,
but in any case folks, we require our stomach acid! Lack of stomach
acid is termed Hypochlorhydria, or lack of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Stomach acid is required in the absorption of nutrients, particularly
vitamin B12, the digestion of proteins and termination of pathogens.
The acids of the stomach carry off a double task.
Of course, they assist in the digestive process. They further help in
fighting a ton of bacteria, as an acidic medium is deadly for all
bacteria. Nonetheless, like everything else related with the body,
there is a subtle balance that should be maintained. At times the
acid can cause harm, for example, when there is over-secretion
(gastritis, normally stress induced) or if the acid continually backs
up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux). Acids, as we
probably are aware of are destructive, and in this manner, in these
cases, can lead to damage of the stomach lining prompting peptic
ulcers or the inflammation of esophageal walls.
In brief, PPIs are drugs that assist in regulating
the flow of gastric acids into the gut. By decreasing the fundamental
amount of acid flowing in, PPIs diminish the odds of the acid flowing
back into the esophagus and furthermore provide the required time for
the ulcers to heal.
All things said, now let us have a short
discussion on what are the side effectsof proton pump inhibitors?
Short Lived Side Effects
Proton pump inhibitors' side effects that are
short lived are like those caused to the body, while it is adjusting
to all of the new medications. Most of the primary complaints are
nausea, rashes, fatigue, migraines, dizziness, stomach pain and loose
bowels. Depression and anxiety may also occur, yet these are greatly
rare cases.
Long Term Side Effects
Proton pump inhibitors side effects which last a
lifetime are all the more upsetting and affect individuals, who
utilize the medication over a prolonged period and/or potentially in
huge doses. The environment within the stomach is of purely acidic
nature. As specified before, this aides in fighting off the hurtful
impacts of bacteria. PPIs, by controlling acid flow in the gut make
it significantly more powerless against bacterial infection.
Likewise, the trachea and the esophagus have a common opening in the
mouth. When we are lying down, and this is common, now and then food
particles move up the esophagus and into the trachea. Anyhow, with
the higher occurrence of bacteria in the stomach, these particles, on
the off chance that they get to the lungs, are substantially more
liable to cause bacterial pneumonia.
Additional Side Effects
- Strength of the bones may as well take a hit because of prolonged usage of PPIs. Two minerals, to a great degree significant to the growth and strength of bones, vitamin B12 and calcium, are not absorbed adequately if the gastric acid levels go very low. Individuals who have consumed PPIs for a longer spans of time are seen to be, really helpless to fractures, particularly in the hip. So, the usage of these medications have to be specifically supervised for osteoporosis patients.
- A specific bacterium called Clostridium difficile can be extremely damaging to the body. It can produce major internal damage including colitis, inflammation of colon walls and near deadly diarrhea. It is more hazardous in light of the fact that it is easily transmitted through oral ingestion. Our immune system can, in the normal course, guard us against it. In any case, the changed environment in the gut coming about because of PPI use, can make us exposed to infection from this bacterium.
- Among various additional complaints related with these medications is rebound hyperacidity; when a prolonged user stops it. This can give rise to heightened dyspepsia. PPIs furthermore obstruct absorption and affect concentration of different medications. For instance, ketoconazole absorption is reduced and digoxin concentration is augmented.
FDA recommends that you consult your doctor before
getting off these medications. At long last the FDA is advising
patients not to take OTC PPIs longer than 14 days, and no more than
three 14-day treatment courses in a single year. They are encouraging
specialists to offer lower doses and/or shorter spans. Here we end
our discussion about what are the sideeffects of proton pump inhibitors?
Conclusion
Its advised that one takes PPIs under the
supervision of a doctor and furthermore, report any reaction to the
physician.
