Use caution when taking medications that reduce stomach acid secretion

The article was written by the Clinical Pharmacy Team, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs that reduce gastric acid secretion, often used in cases of peptic ulcers, reflux or other disorders related to increased gastric acid secretion.

In addition to treating problems related to increased gastric acid secretion. The drug is also used to prevent stomach upset side effects caused by pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs. This is one of the 10 most commonly prescribed and used drug groups in the United States. This group of drugs is also used a lot in Vietnam with different brand names such as: Nexium (esomeprazole) Losec (omeprazole), Pariet (rabeprazole), Pantoloc (pantoprazole)...

Notes when using Motilium (Domperidone) to treat vomiting and nausea Beware of serious skin side effects of Gout treatment Allopurinol PPI users often experience mild side effects such as headache, nausea, bloating. However, serious side effects, which are rare, especially when used for longer than 12 months, include: Infectious diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile Clostridium difficile is a bacteria in the intestinal tract. When using PPIs, stomach acid decreases sharply, creating favorable conditions for Clostridium difficile to multiply, produce toxins and cause diarrhea. In a study in multiple Asia Pacific countries, PPI use increased the risk of Clostridium difficile diarrhea by 2.4 times compared with non-users.
Reduced absorption of some vitamins and minerals Some vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12 require an acidic environment for absorption. Prolonged use of PPIs, reduces stomach acid, leads to deficiency of these substances and affects health. Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis and fractures, especially in postmenopausal women. Hypomagnesemia can cause muscle spasms, cramps, and even cardiac arrhythmias if hypomagnesemia is severe. Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, visual disturbances, and memory impairment. Some other risks Some studies suggest that prolonged PPI use may increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia and kidney damage. Although the mechanism is unclear, caution should be exercised and the risk of pneumonia and renal function should be monitored with prolonged PPI use, particularly in the elderly.

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Adalat (Nifedipine) fast acting - Caution when used in hypertensive crisis Note when using Motilium (Domperidone) medicine to treat vomiting, nausea Beware of serious side effects on the skin of the gout medication Allopurinol