Survey on Acid Peptic Disorders: Analyzing Prescribing Pattern of PPIs

Acid peptic disorders (APDs) result from characteristic but overlapping pathogenic mechanisms that involve acid effects on diminished mucosal defense1. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become a mainstay in the management of acid peptic disorders (APDs).

Objectives: This survey was aimed to determine the usage profile of different proton pump inhibitors and overall physicians' opinion about the clinical experience with Adiza (Ilaprazole tablet 10 mg, marketed by Abbott India Limited) for the treatment of duodenal ulcer in adult.

Methods: This survey was based on the clinical experience of 402 randomly selected physicians (gastroenterologists, gastrosurgeons, consulting physicians and general practitioners) on an aggregate patient basis in the management of acid-peptic disorders from different parts of India. A data report form (DRF) comprising of various questions was answered by these physicians. The responding physicians answered the DRF of patients who suffered from acid-peptic disorders and were eligible for PPI therapy. A minimum of 50 patients per physician were evaluated in this survey.

Results: The commonly encountered acid peptic disorders in physicians' clinical practice were dyspepsia and gastro oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD). 36.6% of physicians observed that GORD is frequently associated with the breakthrough symptoms especially during night time followed by duodenal ulcer (5%) and gastric ulcer (2.2%). 98.7% of physicians opined that ilaprazole provided a longer term acid suppression as compared to PPIs with shorter half-lives. 76.7% of physicians' perceived excellent symptomatic relief, and 73.6% opined excellent tolerability in patients who were prescribed ilaprazole.

Conclusion: This survey indicated that the main shortcomings observed by physicians with currently existing PPIs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole were related to the ineffective nocturnal acid control and short plasma half-life of PPIs. Physicians opined that ilaprazole displays important advantages in their clinical practice, with regard to better probability of extending the inhibition of acid secretion over the nocturnal period.