Proton pump inhibitors is a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. The group followed another group of pharmaceuticals with similar action called H2 antagonists. Proton pump inhibitors act by blocking the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the so called proton pump ) of the gastric parietal cell. Hence the enzyme inhibited is the terminal stage in gastric acid production. These drugs are utilized in the treatment of many conditions such as:
- duodenal and gastric ulcers
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Erosive reflux oesophagitis.
- Omeprazole (brand names: Prilosec, Losec)
- Lansoprazole (brand names: Prevacid)
- Esomeprazole (brand names: Nexium)
- Pantoprazole (brand names: Protonix)
- Rabeprazole (brand names: Aciphex)