Acid blockers (technically proton pump inhibitors) are used to prevent acid secretion inside the stomach. Their primary application is in treatment of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, but they are also used to treat Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease, Barrett's esophagus and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Previously, H2-receptor antagonists (commonly referred to as acid reducers) were widely used for similar treatments, but acid blockers have superseded them for the most part.
Mechanism of Action
An acid blocker inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which in the gastric parietal cell, normally pumps protons (H+) into the stomach. Consequently, the H+ are not pumped into the stomach, and thus, they are unable to combine with Cl- to make hydrochloric acid (HCl).Patient Health International: Acid Reflux Treatment
Concerns
Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors is shown by some research to cause B12 deficiency and may mask the symptoms of gastric cancer.RedScrubs: PPIs and B12 deficiency, Patient UK: [http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40024985/ Proton Pump Inhibitors Also, because hydrochloric acid is required for the processing of calcium, some concerns exist that long-term use of PPIs will reduce bone density.
Common Side Effects
Rare Side Effects
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking acid blockers.
Acid Blockers Competitors
References
Fast Facts
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Class
Proton pump inhibitor
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Uses
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Routes
Oral, intravenous
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Fact:
Preceded by acid reducers such as cimetidine
