From Prophylaxis to Polypharmacy: An Audit of Proton Pump Inhibitor Practices

Abstract

Background;

                       PPIs are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs and are widely used around the globe. Our study aims to look for justifiable and overuse of the PPIs in the hospital setting.

Methods:

              A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted in King Abdullah Teaching Hospital (KATH), Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over the course of three months(May-July 2025). The number of patients for this study was calculated based on the Cochrane formula, which came out as 227. Written consent was taken from the patient. The study's ethical approval was taken from the Ethical Review Board of KATH, Mansehra.

Results;

               Out of all of 227 patients included in our study, 60.7% were female.

The mean age for the patients was 42.08. Results showed 43.5% of people were already taking PPIs on their own. Out of 227 patients 32.8% used  PPIs in the last week.                                                                                            Among the interviewed patients, 60.7% of patients came with a complaint of epigastric heaviness, 50% with pain epigastrium,45.2% with heartburn, and 25% with Acid reflux. Significantly, 11.9% had a previous history of gastroduodenal ulcers, and H.Pylori was positive in 12.5% patients Esomeprazole was the most prescribed PPI followed by omeprazole. The 40mg (once daily) was the most commonly prescribed dose among the patients interviewed in our study.

Conclusion:

                       In conclusion, the patients admitted had at least one symptom related to dyspepsia or GERD. Majority of the usage of PPIs was justified among the admitted patients interviewed in our study.

Keywords:

                  PPI Audit, Overuse of PPIs, Side effects of PPIs, Indication of PPIs, Use of PPIs in a tertiary care hospital.