Definition of Gastric proton pump inhibitor:
Gastric Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs that rapidly and effectively reduce stomach acid production by irreversibly blocking the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase proton pump located on the parietal cells of the stomach.
Medical Uses:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Peptic Ulcers (Gastric and Duodenal)
Dyspepsia
Prevention of Stress Ulcers in Critical Care
Helicobacter pylori Eradication (in combination therapy)
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Side Effects:
PPIs are generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of temporary side effects, including:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Flatulence
Constipation
Diarrhea
Mechanism of Action:
Target Enzyme: PPIs target the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme (proton pump) located on the parietal cells of the stomach, which is responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Activation: PPIs are prodrugs that become activated in the acidic environment of the parietal cell canaliculi.
Binding: The sulfonyl group of PPIs forms a covalent bond with cysteine residues on the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme.
Inhibition: This irreversible binding inactivates the proton pump, effectively blocking the final step in gastric acid secretion.
Result: With the proton pump inhibited, the secretion of H⁺ ions is halted, leading to a significant and sustained decrease in stomach acid production.