Proton pump inhibitors: Risks of long‐term use

• Published in: Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology 2017-07, Vol.32 (7), p.1295-1302
• Main Authors: Eusebi, Leonardo Henry, Rabitti, Stefano, Artesiani, Maria Laura, Gelli, Dania, Montagnani, Marco, Zagari, Rocco Maurizio, Bazzoli, Franco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calcium - metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology; complications; Dementia - chemically induced; Dementia disorders; Drug interaction; Drug Interactions; Fractures, Bone - etiology; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - etiology; Humans; Intestinal absorption; Intestinal Absorption - drug effects; Intestine; Kidney Diseases - chemically induced; Kidneys; long‐term risk; Minerals; Pneumonia - etiology; proton pump inhibitor; Proton pump inhibitors; Proton Pump Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Proton Pump Inhibitors - adverse effects; Protons; Reviews; Risk; Side effects; Ticlopidine - analogs & derivatives; Ticlopidine - pharmacokinetics; Time Factors; Vitamins; Vitamins - metabolism
• ISSN: 0815-9319; 1440-1746
• DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13737

Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs, and their use is increasing, in particular for long‐term treatment, often being over‐prescribed and used for inappropriate conditions. In recent years, considerable attention has been directed towards a wide range of adverse effects, and even when a potential underlying biological mechanism is plausible, the clinical evidence of the adverse effect is often weak. Several long‐term side effects have been investigated ranging from interaction with other drugs, increased risk of infection, reduced intestinal absorption of vitamins and minerals, and more recently kidney damage and dementia. The most recent literature regarding these adverse effects and their association with long‐term proton pump inhibitor treatment is reviewed, and the mechanisms through which these possible complications might develop are discussed.