Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) & C. Diff Infection Risk: Concerning?

Although PPIs are generally safe medications for most people, some users are concerned with increased risk of infection – particularly C. diff (Clostridium difficile). I happen to be: (A) a PPI user (esomeprazole 20 mg, b.i.d.) and (B) someone who’s concerned with potential increased risk of C. diff – so I reviewed the literature on …

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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) & Kidney Disease: A Legitimate Risk?

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the effective medications for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is estimated that nearly ~15 million people in the United States use PPIs each year – with omeprazole being the 9th most-prescribed drug in 2019. One concern among PPI users – particularly long-term PPI users – is the …

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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) & Cognitive Impairment: Brain Not Working?

Over the past few months I’ve been taking a PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) called “Esomeprazole” (Nexium) to manage a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). I take the Esomeprazole (Nexium) at a dosage of 20 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). The medication is partially effective in reducing some of my most severe symptoms of LPR including: ear pain; …

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PPI Stopped Working: Tolerance Onset? Ideas & Solutions

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that induce profound and prolonged reduction of stomach acid production by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump. These medications are utilized as monotherapy or adjunct interventions for the treatment of: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) & laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR); Barrett’s esophagus; eosinophilic esophagitis; gastritis; gastrinomas; dyspepsia; peptic ulcer; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; and …

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