Key Takeaways
Over 15 million prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were dispensed in 2020-2021 in Australia.
Reports suggest that 22-63% of PPIs are continued longer than is likely necessary.
Chronic PPI use is associated with an increased risk of a wide range of health concerns and can increase the risk of certain nutrient deficiencies.
Hypomagnesemia is a significant concern with chronic PPI therapy, with higher-dose PPI use associated with an even greater risk.
Hypomagnesemia is dangerous, and can result in fatigue, muscle spasms, heart rhythm disturbances, and hospitalisation.
Monitoring of nutrient status is vital for patient health and safety, and supplementation of certain nutrients may be necessary.
Among the most frequently prescribed medications globally, PPIs are incredibly common, with almost 25% of the adult population prescribed a PPI.1 In Australia, over 15 million PPI prescriptions were dispensed in 2020-2021,2 with pantoprazole and esomeprazole consistently sitting as the third and fourth most frequently prescribed medicines between 2015-2021.3 As the most potent class of antacid medications,4 PPIs are commonly used in the management of gastric acid-related disorders, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced mucosal damage.5
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