Side effects
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are generally well tolerated and have few side effects. Under certain circumstances, there may be temporary upper abdominal complaints such as: Occasionally, fatigue, sleep disorders, dizziness and headaches occur. Accidental overdoses usually do not cause any symptoms.
A complete inhibition of the acid production is not to be feared, since proton pumps are constantly being formed anew. One third of all proton pumps are renewed every day. In the context of a long-term therapy, the question arises as to whether pathogens are no longer sufficiently killed by the lower acid content of the gastric juice.
However, serious diseases have not been observed so far.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blockageor
- Flatulence.
Among the possible side effects that can occur as a result of taking proton pump inhibitors, fractures of the hip, wrist or vertebral bodies are listed as occasionally occurring. This means that such side effects are to be feared in about one to ten out of every 1000 users. However, the correlation is only that the drug may slightly increase the risk of fractures if there is a risk of fracture anyway. Patients suffering from osteoporosis (bone loss) or being treated simultaneously with cortisone preparations have such a risk and should therefore not be treated with proton pump inhibitors in the long term if possible.
Interactions
Medication overview
- Esomeprazole: Nexium® MUPS
- Lansoprazole: Agopton®, Lansogamma®, lansoprazole-ratiopharm
- Omeprazole: Antra® MUPS, Omegamma®, Omep®, Omeprazole STADA, Ulcozol
- Rabeprazole: Pariet®
- Pantoprazole: Pantozol®, Pantoprazole®, Rifun®
What are the alternatives?
In addition to the most commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors, there are other drugs that inhibit acid formation in the stomach via other mechanisms of action. A frequently prescribed alternative is the so-called histamine H2-receptor blocker ranitidine. In addition to conventional medical products, plant or alternative medical alternatives are also promising for many diseases.
In many cases, a healthy and balanced diet and avoidance of irritating stimulants such as coffee or alcohol can relieve the symptoms better than by taking a proton pump inhibitor. However, in the case of serious illness, such as a pronounced inflammation of the oesophagus, a proton pump inhibitor should usually still be taken, as alternative measures alone are not sufficient.
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