Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of medications that inhibit the enzyme H+/K+ ATPase, also known as the gastric proton pump, which is responsible for the final step of acid production in the stomach. By irreversibly binding to this enzyme, PPIs effectively block the secretion of gastric acid into the stomach lumen, thereby reducing the acidity of gastric juices. This reduction in acidity helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healing in conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. PPIs are widely used due to their efficacy in suppressing acid secretion over an extended period, typically up to 24 hours after a single dose. Commonly prescribed PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole.