[Mechanism of actions and clinical applications of proton pump inhibitors].

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in clinical practice from early 1990s for the treatment of acid- related diseases. PPIs are superior to histamine2-receptor antagonists or anticholinergic agents. These drugs have proven to be effective, safe and well-tolerated during the past two decades. This brief review presents the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of PPIs and presents clinical applications of the drugs in acid-related diseases.