Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors are a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. They are the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available today.
Clinically used proton pump inhibitors:
- Omeprazole (brand names: Losec®, Prilosec®, Zegerid®)
- Lansoprazole (brand names: Prevacid®, Zoton®, Inhibitol®)
- Esomeprazole (brand names: Nexium®)
- Pantoprazole (brand names: Protonix®, Somac®, Pantoloc®)
- Rabeprazole (brand names: Rabecid®, Aciphex®, Pariet®)
PPIs have largely superseded another group of pharmaceuticals with similar effects, but different mode-of-action, called H2-receptor antagonists.
H2-receptor antagonists (H2As)
H2 antagonists are a group of drugs used to block the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach, decreasing acid production by these cells. In the United States, all four members of the group are available over the counter in relatively low doses, and have become extremely popular medications marketed to heartburn sufferers.
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- ranitidine (Zantac)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- nizatidine (Axid, Tazac)
