Review article: proton pump inhibitors and bacterial overgrowth

C. Williams, K. E. L. McColl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

197 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Proton pump inhibitors are potent drugs producing profound suppression of gastric acid secretion. Consequently, they are highly effective at treating acid-related disorders. There have been concerns that the suppression of gastric acid will alter the bacterial flora of the upper gastrointestinal tract and lead to complications such as cancer, enteric or other infections and malabsorption. Studies have confirmed that proton pump inhibitors do alter the bacterial population but present evidence indicates that this only rarely leads to clinical disease. As with all drugs, proton pump inhibitors should only be used for disorders shown clearly to benefit from the therapy and where the benefits will outweigh the small risks associated with them. Further research to more fully quantify the risk associated with PPI therapy is required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-10
Number of pages8
JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Achlorhydria
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Gastric Acid
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Humans
  • Nitrites
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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