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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines that lower the amount of acid the stomach makes. They are used to treat acid reflux (GERD), heartburn and acidity, to help stomach and duodenal ulcers heal, and, together with antibiotics, to treat Helicobacter pylori infection. Examples include pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and lansoprazole.

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How do Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work?

PPIs block the proton pumps (an enzyme called H+/K+ ATPase) in the stomach lining that release acid into the stomach. The body has to make new pumps to restore acid production, so one dose keeps acid low for about a day.

Active ingredients of this type

These active ingredients belong to Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They are listed A to Z.

  • Pantoprazole: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), a medicine that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.

Common questions

Are PPIs the same as antacids?

No. Antacids neutralise acid already in the stomach and work within minutes, but only for a short time. PPIs reduce how much acid the stomach makes, so they work more slowly but last about a day.

Can PPIs be taken for a long time?

Only if a doctor advises it and reviews it regularly. Long-term use, especially beyond a year, is linked to low vitamin B12 and magnesium, bone fractures and gut infections. Many people need a PPI only for a few weeks.

Sources

  1. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
  2. PROTONIX (pantoprazole sodium) delayed-release tablets: full prescribing information (revised 6/2023). Pfizer (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), US FDA-approved labeling
  3. Heartburn and acid reflux. NHS (UK)
  4. Common questions about pantoprazole. NHS (UK)