How Do You Choose A Proton Pump Inhibitor?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are most often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition that is caused by a tumor in the pancreas or other gastrointestinal organs. PPIs block the enzyme in the stomach that produces acid. Reducing acid acts to prevent ulcers and aids in healing them. You can choose from five different proton pump inhibitors on the market in the United States. Discuss your specific condition with a doctor. Ask the physician for an opinion on which proton pump inhibitor might be best. Consider the choices that are available. The PPIs available are Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Aciphex (rabeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole). Go to the local pharmacist and ask for a printout of each one. Visit the official website of each medication. Consider the side effects (headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea and rash are common ones), time each takes to work,
