Assessing the appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors amongst the outpatient lebanese population

Abstract

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of many conditions but are currently being misused. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriate indication, dosage and duration of use of PPIs by outpatients in Lebanon. This cross-sectional study evaluated the treatment of 323 outpatients who presented to community pharmacies, in different Lebanese regions, with any PPI prescription. The results showed that there was a significant association between the prescribing of the PPI for the correct indication and recommending it in the appropriate dosage, but not with the type of PPI used nor with the duration of treatment that was indicated. No significant difference was found between the prescribed and over-the-counter PPIs regarding the appropriate duration of treatment, dosage and indication. A significant association was found, however, between the reason for PPI use and the other chronic diseases that the patients had and the number of cups of coffee drunk by a patient per day. PPI use by Lebanese outpatients showed to be mostly consistent with the FDA recommendations with regards to the dosage taken. However, the duration of therapy was clearly not in accordance with what is currently recommended. Physicians need to follow-up with patients and reassess the need for therapy on a regular basis.