Acidsuppressive

Acidsuppressive is a term used to describe agents or strategies that suppress gastric acid production or activity. In medical use, acid-suppressive therapy refers to approaches that reduce acidity in the stomach to treat and prevent acid-related disorders. The most prominent examples are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), with antacids and certain protective agents also bearing on acid-related symptoms.

Proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole, suppress acid secretion by irreversibly inhibiting the gastric H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in parietal cells. H2RAs such as ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine block histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells, reducing acid output. Antacids, which neutralize existing acid, provide rapid but short-lived symptom relief rather than true suppression of acid production. Prostaglandin analogs like misoprostol can lower acid secretion and enhance mucosal defenses, and are used in specific contexts such as NSAID-related injury prevention.

Indications for acidsuppressive therapy include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-associated ulcers, and preparation for endoscopy or surgery in certain cases. They are also used as part of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.

Long-term use carries risks such as nutrient malabsorption (iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12), increased susceptibility to enteric infections, potential kidney effects, and drug interactions (for example, PPIs can affect the metabolism or efficacy of certain medications). Rebound acid hypersecretion can occur after withdrawal of some agents.