This acid production leads to symptoms likeheartburnand pain or difficulty swallowing.
Understanding Proton Pump Inhibitors
PPIs decrease acid levels in the stomach.
Many PPI products are available.
Getty Images |Bloomberg/ Contributor
Some are sold over the counter, and others require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
PPIs are some of the most commonly prescribed medications around the world.
When this pump is blocked, acid production is decreased.
This less harsh environment promotes ulcer healing, calms heartburn andacid reflux symptoms, and reduces damage to theesophagus.
PPIs lower acid production by inhibiting a protein in the stomach lining called the proton pump.
The protein is responsible for releasing H+ ions into the stomach.
Common examples of PPIs include Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole).
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