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Nearly 1 in 4 adults globally use proton pump inhibitors, with high-dose and long-term use common, raising significant safety and overuse concerns.
A large-scale systematic review assessing global trends in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has revealed that these acid-suppressing drugs are used by nearly 25% of adults worldwide, highlighting both their widespread reliance and concerns over prolonged use.
The review, published in European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, analyzed 65 observational studies spanning 28 million PPI users across 23 countries, making it one of the most extensive evaluations of global PPI consumption trends.
Key Demographic Insights
The study challenges the perception that PPIs are primarily used by older adults:
High-Dose and Long-Term PPI Use a Growing Concern
The review highlights concerning patterns in PPI dosage and duration:
These trends suggest a significant level of chronic PPI use, often without clear or ongoing clinical indications.
Long-Term Risks and Safety Concerns
Although PPIs are considered safe for short-term treatment, growing evidence links prolonged use to potential adverse effects, making long-term PPI safety a critical clinical issue. The study reinforces concerns around inappropriate PPI prescribing, polypharmacy risks, and unnecessary medical care costs.
Call for Rational Use and Deprescribing
Experts emphasize the requisition for regular medication review, evidence-based prescribing, and PPI deprescribing strategies where appropriate. Clinicians are urged to discontinue PPIs when there is no clear indication or sustained therapeutic benefit, helping to curtail health risks, drug dependency, and treatment costs.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Proton pump inhibitor use: systematic review of global trends and practices
Lelwala Guruge Thushani Shanika et al.
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