Effectiveness of Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors are a group of drugs that shut down the "pumps" in stomach acid secreting cells. These drugs can be used to treat a variety of conditions and are considered to be safe for short-term use. Proton pump inhibitors include the drugs omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole.

GERD Effectiveness

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a disorder in which acid from the stomach backs up into the throat and causes severe heartburn and can eventually do damage to the esophagus. GERD, as opposed to regular heartburn, is often a chronic problem that will have long-lasting effects.
  Proton pump inhibitors are the most common treatment for GERD, especially when acid blockers are ineffective. According to WebMD, the drugs are safe and effective to heal the esophagus in GERD patients in eight out of 10 cases. If it is required that you remain on proton pump inhibitors for a long period of time, it may be necessary to begin a calcium supplement regimen to prevent broken bones, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Peptic Ulcer Effectiveness

• Proton pump inhibitors are a common prescription for those with peptic ulcers. The drugs are prescribed in order to make the stomach contents less acidic so ulcers can heal and bleeding may stop. Taking intravenous versions of the drugs are the best way to prevent recurrence of bleeding ulcers, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  Proton pump inhibitors may also stop the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is believed to lead to the development of ulcers.

Occasional Heartburn Effectiveness

• Not everyone with a case of heartburn needs a proton pump inhibitor, according to Consumer Reports. These are potent acid reducing drugs that are often used unnecessarily for the treatment of occasional regular heartburn. The effectiveness is not in question, as the drugs will provide the solution, but simple acid reducers such as Tagament and Pepcid should work equally as well in relieving this problem.

Best Results

• Proton pump inhibitors are typically most effective when they are taken once daily a half hour before breakfast, according to WebMD. If taking one pill per day is not successful in relieving all symptoms, then a doctor may suggest taking another pill before dinner.
  Side effects of these drugs are minimal. Most common reported side effects are diarrhea and headache. More serious rare side effects are an increased risk in contracting certain infections and the inability of the body to absorb enough calcium.