Prescribing of Proton Pump Inhibitors in an Irish General Practice

Aim Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are amongst the most frequently prescribed medicines. Evidence to date shows these are being inappropriately overprescribed. Although highly effective, PPIs are increasingly recognized to be associated with many adverse health outcomes. The aims of this study are to assess the extent and quality of PPI prescribing in an urban general practice. Method Retrospective chart review and descriptive analysis of all prescriptions issued over one month was undertaken to determine the frequency and duration of PPI use, the likely indications and results of endoscopic findings. Results PPIs represented 20% of all prescriptions issued in June 2017, of which 80% were on long-term therapy. Esomeprazole use prevailed. Low dose therapy was least frequently prescribed (7%) compared with high dose therapy (93%). PPI use increased with age, and duration of therapy was prolonged for greater than one year in the majority of patients. Patients were commenced therapy without clear indication in 40% of cases. Findings of endoscopic evaluation in 58 (64%) patients suggest PPI therapy was inappropriately continued in the majority of cases (81%). Conclusion Chronic inappropriate overprescribing of PPIs remains a concern and contribute potentially to patient harm and wasteful financial resources. The ongoing need to optimise PPI prescribing remains paramount. Clinicians are encouraged to prescribe judiciously and in accordance with evidence-based guidelines.