Proton pump inhibitors; prescribing habits in daily practice

Objective: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) generally offer a safe drug group profile. However, when used in inappropriate indications, doses and durations, and when their interactions with other drugs, side effects and complications are considered, they are not completely innocent drugs. In this study, it was planned to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of physicians about PPIs and to increase awareness. Materials and Methods: In our cross-sectional and descriptive study, a 22-question survey was applied to 300 volunteer physicians who actively examined patients in secondary and tertiary hospitals in the city center of Trabzon between March 20, 2024 and April 30, 2024. The research data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 26.0 program. Descriptive statistics; categorical variables are given as numbers and percentages. Chi-Square test was used to compare categorical variables in independent groups. Results: In our study, 51.3% of the participating physicians stated that they often prescribed PPIs to their patients, 36.7% sometimes prescribed PPIs, and no physician stated that they never prescribed them. The most common indications for PPI prescription were 26.3% dyspepsia, 23% NSAID side effect prophylaxis, 12.7% anti-aggregant side effect prophylaxis, 11.7% acute/chronic gastritis, 11.3% GERD, and 8% patient demand. Physicians stated that they most frequently prescribed pantoprazole 73%, lansoprazole 18%, esomeprazole 5%, and rabeprazole 3.3% and 96% correctly answered the question about the method of PPI use as 30 minutes before breakfast. 73.3% of the participating physicians stated that they prescribed PPIs for 2 months or less. 80.7% of physicians think that proton pump inhibitors are used for more than 8-12 weeks without a valid indication Conclusion: Proton pump inhibitors are indispensable drugs today due to their strong acid suppressing effects. However, studies conducted in recent years have reported that they may be associated with many side effects. Physicians should use these drugs in cases where indicated for the benefit of the patient and take into account the principles of rational drug use in uncertain indications. Keywords: Proton pump inhibitors, PPI, inappropriate use, side effects