Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of medicines, such as lansoprazole and omeprazole, that work on the cells that line the stomach, reducing the production of acid.
The stomach normally produces acid to help with the digestion of food and to kill germs (bacteria). This acid is corrosive so the body produces a natural mucous barrier which protects the lining of the stomach from being eroded.
In some people this barrier may break down and allow the acid to damage the stomach, causing an ulcer. In others, a problem may occur with the muscular band at the top of the stomach (the sphincter) that keeps the stomach tightly closed. This may allow the acid to escape and irritate the oesophagus. This is called ‘acid reflux’ which can cause heartburn and/or inflammation of the gullet (oesophagitis).
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It takes non-acidic potassium iron out of the stomach and replaces it with an acidic hydrogen ion, which makes things acidic. By putting more hydrogen ions into the stomach, the pump makes its contents more acidic. But acid secretion into the stomach stops when a person takes a proton pump inhibitor that stops the proton pump from working. PPIs stop cells in the lining of the stomach producing too much acid. This can help to prevent ulcers from forming or assist in their healing process. By decreasing the amount of acid, they can also help to reduce acid reflux-related symptoms such as heartburn.
They are called ‘proton pump inhibitors’ because they work by blocking (inhibiting) a chemical system called the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (otherwise known as ‘proton