BOSTON: Almost half of elderly residents in skilled nursing homes who are prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are receiving them without an evidence-based indication, according to a large database study presented at a conference today.
PPIs are used for various diagnoses, including ulcers and acid reflux disease. They are generally considered safe with very few adverse events, but recent literature has identified risks associated with their use, including pneumonia, fractures, and Clostridium difficile infections.
The commonly used PPIs were pantoprazole (Protonix, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc) (34.7%), lansoprazole (multiple brands) (34.1%), and omeprazole (multiple brands) (27%).