Proton Pump Inhibitors May Increase Risk of CDAD, FDA Warns

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are drugs to reduce stomach acid, may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), warns a February 8, 2012, Drug Safety Communication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PPIs are sold both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. They are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and small intestine ulcers, and inflammation of the esophagus. OTC PPIs are used to treat frequent heartburn. Brand names include AcipHex (rabeprazole sodium), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), Omeprazole (omeprazole) OTC, Prevacid (lansoprazole) and OTC Prevacid 24hr, Prilosec (omeprazole) OTC, Protonix (pantoprazole sodium), Vimovo (esomeprazole magnesium and naproxen), and Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate) OTC.