07/17/2009 - News
Stopping Heartburn Medication May Cause Increased Acid Secretion
By: June Chen, MD
Tools:
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI), often used to treat heartburn, are a group of drugs whose main action is a significant and long-lasting reduction of acid production in the stomach. However, according to a study published in the July 2009 issue of Gastroenterology, stopping PPI therapy may actually cause rebound hypersecretion of acid.
Researchers from Copenhagen University in Copenhagen, Denmark studied 120 healthy volunteers who were randomized to receive either the PPI esomeprazole or a placebo pill for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of placebo. They found that, among study participants who received esomeprazole, 44% reported at least 1 acid-related symptom, including heartburn, acid reflux, or dyspepsia, in weeks 9 to 12 of the study, as compared to only 15% in the placebo group.
From these findings, the Danish scientists conclude that PPI therapy for 8 weeks induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers after withdrawal. However, it is important to note that this study only included healthy volunteers, so it is not known how PPI withdrawal would affect patients with acid-related symptoms such as heartburn. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of PPI withdrawal in symptomatic patients, as well as the effects of PPI withdrawal in patients who have been on long-term acid-reducing therapy.
Source:
Gastroenterology. 2009;137:20-39.
Created on: 07/13/2009
Reviewed on: 07/17/2009
Reviewed on: 07/17/2009
Tools:
You Might Be Interested In:
Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved. [ Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About Us | Site Map | NovoViva.fr | Contact ]
The contents such as text, graphics, images, and other material on this site are for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!