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OTC OPTIONS TO HELP PATIENTS REDUCE AND CEASE PPI USE
2 CPD CREDITS
2016 Competency Standards:
3.1, 3.2, 3.5.
Accreditation Number:
A2008RP1 (Exp: 31/07/2022).
This activity has been accredited for 1 hour of Group One CPD (or 1 CPD credit) suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacists CPD plan, which may be converted to 1 hour of Group Two CPD (or 2 CPD credits) upon successful completion of the associated assessment activity.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a highly effective treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. However, for some patients prescribed high doses for long periods of time there is pressure to regularly reassess the dose and taper if necessary.
Rebound acid hypersecretion challenges success of PPI taper, with studies noting limited success of patient education in reducing PPI use. This article considers the evidence for over-the-counter (OTC) treatments with different modes of action in providing additional support for PPI taper. Of the options available, alginate based treatments show promise in assisting successful PPI deprescribing. Although PPI deprescribing is a priority initiative, OTC treatments are not currently emphasised in PPI taper protocols. New evidence supports the use of alginates for breakthrough symptoms on PPIs and during taper. Clinicians and patients should reconsider the place of alginates at each stage of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) management.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this CPD activity, pharmacists should be able to:
• Outline the treatment for gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
• Describe the options for tapering the dose of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and management of mild to moderate GORD symptoms.
• Describe the evidence supporting the use of over-the-counter medicines for addressing breakthrough GORD symptoms when taking PPIs.
To complete the assessment, go to: https://acp.cls.janisoncloud.com/q/RP2008-1
