Proton
Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
In
order to understand what a Proton Pump Inhibitor is, you must first understand what a proton pump
is. A proton pump is a molecule found in certain cells within the stomach. These cells “pump” acids into
the stomach via a pumping method, such cells also take the non-acidic potassium ion out of the stomach and replace
it with an acidic hydrogen ion. This hydrogen ion makes the cells acidic in the stomach. By putting more hydrogen
ions in the stomach, the proton pumps make the contents of your stomach more
acidic.

Proton pump inhibitors work by stopping
the action of the pump from secreting acid into the stomach. PPI is used as treatment for
GERD, duodenal and stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome and erosive esophagitis. It can be used alone or in combination with other antacids and
antibiotics. Proton pump inhibitors can also be used in treating infections (that is in combination with
antibiotics) such as H.pylori or a bacterial infection in the stomach.
This is also one of the main causes why stomach ulcerations occur in many individuals. These drugs are used to
maintain the level of acidity in the stomach.
In proper storage
of this medication make sure that you
place it in a room temperature not exceeding to 30 C. Keep the lid tightly closed and our of children’s reach.
Also, keep it away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Throw away all outdated and no longer needed PPIs. For
proper disposal, ask your pharmacist or physician. Shelf life of this drug is up
to 36 months.
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