Learn about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn relief, their side effects, and when alternatives like Gaviscon® might be beneficial or enhance their effects.
What are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely used group of medications that help reduce stomach acid production. They work by blocking the action of the enzyme in the stomach responsible for producing acid. Think of it this way: a proton pump is a protein found in the stomach lining that moves protons across the cell, which helps in acid production.
Normally, the stomach produces acid to aid in digestion and help the body absorb nutrients. However, sometimes the body produces too much of this acid, which can lead to digestive problems. So, controlling and reducing its production is essential by using specific inhibitors. Or, in other cases, a person may suffer from ulcers in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus and to speed up the healing process and reduce irritating symptoms, medications that work to inhibit stomach acid production, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are prescribed.
Proton pump inhibitor medications are used in cases of heartburn, peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Common proton pump inhibitors that are approved for use include Rabeprazole (Aciphex), Pantoprazole (Protonix), and Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC).
Possible Side Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Despite the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors, their effects may vary from person to person. Also, some possible side effects include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Gas
- Cold-like symptoms.
Some studies also indicate that prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. They can also affect the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body and its levels, in addition to their association with low magnesium levels in the blood. Also, some studies have shown a link between the use of proton pump inhibitors for long periods and an increased risk of heart problems.
Therefore, it is important to use proton pump inhibitors with caution and for limited periods.
Can Gaviscon® replace proton pump inhibitors and enhance their effect?
Despite the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor medications, they may not be effective for everyone by themselves. A study conducted in 2009 and published in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion showed that approximately 40% of people who suffer from heartburn and take PPIs once daily still suffer from heartburn or its recurrence after a short period.
To enhance the effect of proton pump inhibitors, speed up their effects, and reduce side effects, you may be advised to take Gaviscon® alongside them. This is due to several reasons:
Gaviscon® is used to treat many related symptoms such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux.
The aluminum and magnesium it contains work as antacids and contribute to reducing the acidity of the stomach quickly.
Antacids work faster and more effectively than pills or capsules.
Gaviscon® works to neutralize stomach acid only and does not stop the process of acid production, and it can be used alone or alongside other medications to reduce acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors.
Gaviscon® contains Alginic acid, which is extracted from seaweed and is 100% natural. It is safe for consumption and is free from gluten and lactose.
In a study conducted in 2012 to compare the Omeprazole type of proton pump inhibitor medication with Gaviscon® and published in the BMC Gastroenterol journal, it was found that using Gaviscon four times a day at 10 ml each time before meals for patients suffering from moderate heartburn in the stomach had a clear and effective impact on treatment and for a shorter period, during the first 24 hours from the start of treatment. Compared to taking 20 mg daily of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole, it was less effective on the patient, which proves that Gaviscon is an effective treatment for heartburn in moderate and mild cases and for people who suffer from GERD and can be an alternative to proton pump inhibitors and replace them.
It is also recommended to leave a gap of two hours between taking any other medication and Gaviscon®. And always, what the doctor advises must be consulted before using any medication.
