Abstract

Atharva Pushkar Nanday, Dr. Narendra Bheemraj Parihar* and Seeta Narendra Parihar

ABSTRACT

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most efficacious agents used for minimizing gastric acid secretions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and preferences of proton pump inhibitors amongst pharmacists. PPIs are mainly used to treat Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), Gastroesophaygeal Reflux Disease (GERD), Erosive Esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES), Barrett’s Esophagus, and an Upper Gastro-Intestinal bleeding. They are also a primitive measure to reduce acidity. A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out to assess the knowledge and preferences of pharmacists regarding proton pump inhibitors for various ailments. Google form link for filling out the survey questionnaire was sent to pharmacists and were asked to fill it out accordingly. All the pharmacists included in this survey were given a copy of the information chart and were properly counseled for rationalizing PPIs as an essential OTC medication. Pharmacists primarily preferred pantoprazole as the treatment of choice for acidity and heartburn 50% followed by omeprazole 20% to 30%, lansoprazole 5% to 10%, and rabeprazole 5% to 15%. The majority 89% of pharmacists enquired about the patient details before dispensing the medication and 56% provided patient counseling. PPIs are widely used as an OTC medication at community pharmacies, there is a need to rationalize their use and dispensing amongst pharmacists. Pharmacists themselves need to acquire updated information via trustworthy sources regarding the PPI medications and must focus on more patient-based practice than just basic compounding and dispensing the medication.